Lane County and the University of Oregon’s Institute for Policy Research and Engagement are working to develop six area-specific emergency evacuation plans, as well as a process for developing additional emergency evacuation plans for other areas of Lane County.
“We know that the worst can happen here and we all need to be as prepared as possible to evacuate in the face of an emergency,” said Lane County Emergency Manager Patence Winningham. “Lane County has a number of rural communities with limited road access and a higher danger of fire, flooding or severe winter storms. Creating specific evacuation plans will help our residents be better prepared for our next emergency.”
A brief survey will help the project team become familiar with Lane County residents' understanding of and preparedness for evacuation due to a wildfire, flood, or other emergency events.
The survey is available at www.lanecounty.org/evacplanning. It will remain open through March 31, 2021.
“While evacuation planning is an important step in enhancing our collective preparedness for emergencies, when communications fail, we should all have a plan. Residents should always be ready to make the best possible decision for their safety in an emergency and have their own emergency plans in place as well,” said Winningham.
The six areas included in the grant-funded program are: Mapleton, Swisshome, Crow-Applegate, Lorane, Row River and the area served by Eugene #1 Rural Fire Protection District.
The project is funded by a FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant awarded to the Oregon Partnership for Disaster Resilience and Oregon Emergency Management, which submitted the application on behalf of Lane County.
A ground ambulance transport in the South Lane County area will cost more than $1,800, and an air ambulance more than $18,000, unless you have FireMed! Health insurance may cover 20-50%.