This week, April 2 -6, a variety of class sessions, panel discussions and static displays will inform and educate local, county and tribal emergency managers during the fifth annual Oregon Prepared Workshop this week in Sunriver. This year, organizers have themed the workshop “Bridging the Gap from Response to Recovery.” The annual workshop provides an opportunity for emergency management professionals statewide to learn, share best practices, and network to improve emergency preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation in Oregon. Presentations during the week are led by experienced local emergency management experts as well as several from across the country. A sampling of workshop topics include: Making “scents” of disaster sanitation, a look back at solar eclipse planning in central Oregon, disaster behavioral health and psychological first aid, lessons learned from the hurricane response in Puerto Rico, an overview of the FEMA declaration process, and Tribal cultural and natural resources affected during disasters. Sidra Metzger-Hines, grants coordinator for the Oregon Office of Emergency Management and workshop planning lead, calls the annual event “relationship central.” It’s an opportunity, she says, to get to know an extensive network of subject matter experts who can come to the aid of emergency managers across the state. “Whether it’s a raging wildfire, a meningococcal outbreak or an active shooters situation, emergency response requires quick coordination as well as a look to recovery planning. The workshop offers participants a chance to know who to connect with when the need arises,” she says. While a few sessions are offered Monday afternoon, the workshop officially kicks off Tuesday at 7:45 a.m. Opening ceremonies include a welcome by Oregon Emergency Management Director Andrew Phelps and Maj. Gen. Michael Stencel, the Adjutant General, Oregon. A half-day exercise on Wednesday afternoon will help attendees understand and navigate the emergency declaration process. In addition, static displays will showcase bomb squad protocol, mass feeding and emergency communications technology. More than 500 people involved in emergency management roles are registered for Oregon Prepared, which is hosted by Oregon Office of Emergency Management and the Oregon Health Authority.
