Oregon officials urge preparedness amid expected power outages in high-risk fire areas

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- With the 2024 wildfire season underway, Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) is encouraging people to prepare for possible power outages - some of which may even be implemented by power companies to prevent fires or protect those fighting them.

Public safety power shutoffs (PSPS) - in which the power is shut off by utility companies in high fire-risk areas - have been utilized in Oregon a few times in the last couple years. This is mostly because lines could topple or power be cut to avoid starting a fire in high wind conditions.

This year, with Govenor Tina Kotek invoking the Emergency Conflagration Act for Durkee and Battle Mountain Complex Fires, PSPS's may happen often in the coming months, according to Patience Winningham, Deputy Director of OEM.

"We encourage people to check the websites, get familiar with their utilities protocols for PSPS," she said. "Because as the vegetation and the fuel type gets drier and drier and when we get into August and September, those decisions may come a little bit more frequently."

If you experience a power outage in a high-risk area, the Oregon Pubic Utility Commission recommends having two weeks worth of food, medical supplies, batteries and pet supplies.

Additionally, Winningham recommends having four ways to get updated information: Your cell phone or landline, your TV, EAS (emergency alert system) radio and your neighbor.

"Go and knock on your neighbor's door because sometimes they'll get the information that you won't," she added. "Maybe they have Starlink and they're up in the sky, but not dependent on the fiber on the ground. So making sure you have those ways to get information and share information to take protective measures for yourself, your family and your neighbors."

Fire officials and OEM are also encouraging people to take every precaution possible to make less of an impact on the first responders this season.

"There are not many first responders in this field and we are definitely drawing down on all of those resources," added Winningham. "Those people also have families in these communities and being able to take care of ourselves only further helps them do their job in fire suppression activities and protecting people and property."