Wildfire Safety & Preparedness

Wildfire season can bring uncertainty and stress to our communities. As child care providers, you play a critical role in keeping children safe while supporting families during emergencies. Taking time now to prepare can help your program respond quickly and confidently if conditions change.

Whether you're caring for infants, toddlers, or school-age children, having an emergency plan, staying informed, and knowing where to find reliable information are some of the best ways to protect those in your care.

Preparing Ahead of Time Can Make All The Difference!

✔ Keep Review and update your emergency preparedness plan.

✔ Practice evacuation drills with children and staff.

✔ Keep emergency contact information current for every child.

✔ Prepare an emergency "go bag" that includes:

• Attendance records
• Emergency contact information
• First aid kit
• Medications
• Bottled water and snacks
• Diapers, wipes, formula (if needed)
• Flashlights and extra batteries
• Phone chargers
• Comfort items for children
• Respirator / NIOSH-Approved N95 Respirator, NIOSH-Approved P100 Respirator (Provides even greater Filtration), KN95 Mask

✔ Sign up for local emergency alerts.

✔ Identify evacuation routes and backup relocation sites.

✔ Monitor local air quality and limit outdoor play when smoke levels are unhealthy.

If a Wildfire Threatens Your Area:

• Stay calm and follow instructions from emergency officials.

• Monitor evacuation levels closely.

• If told to evacuate, leave immediately.

• Notify families as soon as it is safe to do so.

• Take attendance before leaving and again upon arrival at your evacuation location.

• Bring your emergency supplies and important records.

• Keep children together and reassure them with calm, age-appropriate communication.

Level 1 – BE READY

• Stay informed.
• Review your emergency plan.
• Prepare for possible evacuation.
• Pack essential items.

Level 2 – BE SET

• Be ready to leave at a moment's notice.
• Load emergency supplies into vehicles.
• Consider relocating if children are in care and conditions worsen.

Level 3 – GO NOW

• Leave immediately.
• Do not delay to gather belongings.
• Follow directions from emergency officials.

Continue to monitor local conditions and emergency alerts, as wildfire and smoke conditions can change quickly.

Use Trusted Sources for Current Wildfire Information:

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) recently updated its:

guidance for outdoor activities when air quality is unhealthy.

Emergency Alerts

PublicAlerts (Clackamas County) – Sign up to receive emergency notifications by text, phone, or email.
https://www.clackamas.us/dm/publicalerts

Current Evacuation Maps & Alerts

ClackCo Alerts – View current evacuation levels, shelter information, and emergency alerts.
https://www.clackamas.us/clackcoalerts

Current Wildfire Information

Oregon Department of Forestry
https://www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/pages/default.aspx

InciWeb – National Incident Information
https://inciweb.wildfire.gov

National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC)
https://www.nifc.gov

Watch Duty App (Free)

Receive Real-Time Wildfire Updates, Evacuation Information, and Fire Perimeter Maps.
https://www.watchduty.org

Smoke & Air Quality

AirNow.gov

Current Air Quality Conditions and Wildfire Smoke Map
https://www.airnow.gov

Oregon Smoke Information Blog
Daily smoke forecasts and health recommendations.
https://oregonsmoke.org

Power Outages

Portland General Electric (PGE) Outage Map
https://portlandgeneral.com/outages

PGE Public Safety Power Shutoff Information
https://portlandgeneral.com/psps

Weather

National Weather Service – Portland
https://www.weather.gov/pqr

Clackamas County Emergency Management

Preparedness resources, evacuation planning, emergency checklists, and disaster information.
https://www.clackamas.us/dm

Be ClackGO Prepared
Find evacuation planning guides, GO Kit checklists, and preparedness resources.
https://www.clackamas.us/dm/clackgoprepared

Air Quality Resources During Wildfires

https://extension.oregonstate.edu/announcements/air-quality-resources-during-wildfires

W Edge - Environmental & Occupational Health Services. Funded by National Institutes of Health Grant #P3OES007033 09/2020.

Particulate matter in smoke from wildfires is unhealthy to breathe. A simple box fan filter will help keep your indoor air clean.

What you'll need:

~ Box Fan

~ 20"X20"X1" furnace filter (MERV 13 or FPR 10)

~ Duct Tape of Bungee Cords

Number 1: Place Filter on Back (air intake side) of fan. (Make sure the arrow on the side of the filter is pointing towards the fan)

Number 2: Use the Duct Tape or Bungee Cords to attach the Filter Securely to the fan. (Use tape or cords only around the edges; do not block the air flow through the fan.)

Number 3: Place in an Area Away From Any Obstacles and Turn the Fan on. (Run the fan on high for a few hours if your indoor air quality is already poor, then turn it to medium to keep it clean.)

Number 4: Keep All Windows and Doors Closed to Prevent New Pollution from Getting into Your Home!

Distributed by: Oregon State University Extension Services - SMOKE READY GORGE

W EDGE - Environmental & Occupational Health Services. Financiado por la subvencion de los Institutos Nacionales de Salud # P30ES007033 09/2020.

Las Particulas en el humo de los incendios forestales no son saludables para respirar. Un filtro de ventilador de caja simple ayudara a mantener limpio el aire interior.

Lo que necesita:

~ Ventilador de caja

~ Filtro de horno de 20"X20" (MERV 13 o FPR 10)

~ Cinta adhesica o cuerdas elasticas

Numero Uno: Coloque el filtro en la parte trasera (lado de entrada de aire) del ventilador. (Asegurese de que la fecha al costado del filtro apunte hacia el ventilador.)

Numero Dos: Utilice la cinta adhesiva o los cordones elasticos para sujetar el filtro de forma segura al ventilador. (Use cinta o cordones solo alrededor de los bordes; no bloquee el flujo de aire a traves del ventilador.)

Numero Tres: Coloquelo en un area alejada de cualquier obstaculo y encienda el ventilador. (Haga funcionar en ventilador a maxima potencia durante unas horas si la calidad del aire interior ya es deficiente, luego girelo a medio para mantenerlo limpio.

Numero Cuatro: Mantenga todas las ventanas y puertas cerradas para evitar que nueva contaminacion ingrese a su hogar!

Distribuido Por: Oregon State University Extension Service - SMOKE READY GORGE

During wildfire season, local agencies often post important information on social media before or at the same time as other sources. Consider following these accounts to receive timely updates on evacuations, road closures, fire activity, and emergency information.

Clackamas County Sheriff's Office

Website: https://www.clackamas.us/sheriff
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clackcosheriff
X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/ClackCoSheriff

The Sheriff's Office provides evacuation notices, emergency updates, road closures, and public safety information during wildfires and other emergencies.

Clackamas County Disaster Management (Emergency Management)

Website: https://www.clackamas.us/dm
Emergency Alerts (PublicAlerts): https://www.clackamas.us/dm/publicalerts
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClackamasDM
X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/ClackamasDM

Clackamas County Disaster Management shares emergency preparedness information, evacuation updates, disaster response resources, shelter information, and recovery updates.

Clackamas County Government

Website: https://www.clackamas.us
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClackamasCounty
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clackamascounty
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ClackamasCounty

Follow the county for community updates, emergency information, and public service announcements.

Clackamas 911 (C-COM)

Website: https://www.clackamas.us/911
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clackamas911
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clackamas911
X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/clackamas911

Clackamas 911 provides information about emergency communications, when to call 911, and public safety messaging.

Tip: Turn on notifications for these pages during wildfire season so you'll receive important updates as they are posted.

These are the official Clackamas County websites and social media accounts for the Sheriff's Office, Disaster Management, County Government, and Clackamas 911.

Emergency: 911

Clackamas County Non-Emergency Dispatch: 503-655-8211

Poison Center: 1-800-222-1222

PGE Customer Service: 503-228-6322

For Shelter Locations, Transportation Assistance, Food Resources,

and Other Disaster Services: Dial 211

American Red Cross: 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767)

• Review your emergency preparedness policies with staff each wildfire season.

• Communicate your emergency plan with families before an emergency occurs.

• Keep enrollment forms and emergency contacts accessible in both paper and digital formats.

• Maintain backup communication methods in case internet or cell service is interrupted.

• Consider children's emotional well-being after a wildfire or evacuation by providing reassurance, routines, and opportunities to talk about their experiences.

We recognize the dedication and care you provide to children and families every day, especially during emergencies.

Thank you for everything you do to keep children safe.

Preparing ahead of time helps protect not only your program, but the families who depend on you.

Stay safe, stay informed, and don't hesitate to reach out if you need support or assistance.

Please feel free to reach out to us at: (503) 675-4104