ODEM launches ‘Be 2 Weeks Ready’ preparedness program
2 min readfrom FEMA Region 10, the Oregon Department of Emergency Management, and staff reports
The Oregon Department of Emergency Management will spotlight its new community-based preparedness program, “Be 2 Weeks Ready,” with a Zoom webinar Thursday, June 20, at 11 a.m.
Be 2 Weeks Ready helps people prepare for emergencies alongside their friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers.
The term “community” can refer to any group made up of individuals. One person can be a part of many different communities and can help those communities Be 2 Weeks Ready.
The new toolkit has eight units on preparedness that individuals can work through alone, or with a group led by their local program coordinator:
- Unit 1: Preparing to Prepare
- Unit 2: Your Emergency Plan
- Unit 3: Food Plan
- Unit 4: Water Plan
- Unit 5: Waste and Hygiene Plan
- Unit 6: Shelter Plan
- Unit 7: First-Aid Plan
- Unit 8: Emergency Management
Each unit is followed by a series of activities for people to practice what they learn. Community groups such as faith-based organizations, neighborhood associations, local 4-H clubs, schools, and workplaces are encouraged to register for the webinar and learn more about Be 2 Weeks Ready.
The Be 2 Weeks Ready toolkit can be downloaded from the ODEM website in English, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, and Vietnamese. ASL is coming soon!
For information on how to become a B2WR program coordinator or to find a program near you, email community.preparedness@oem.oregon.gov.
The June 20 webinar ‘Be 2 Weeks Ready’ is part of the ‘Third Thursday Tips’ monthly webinar series that follows the ‘Prepare in a Year’ Guide.
Throughout 2024, the FEMA Region 10 Individual and Community Preparedness Team and Region 10 states (Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington) are covering the monthly themes that can help people ‘Prepare in a Year.‘
Previous programs included Jan. 18: Communications Plan; Feb. 15: Action Plan; March 21: Water; April 18: Grab & Go Kit; May 16: Important Documents.
Future programs will include July 18: Fire Safety; Aug. 15: Utility Safety; Sept. 19: Under the Bed; Oct. 17: Drop, Cover, and Hold On; Nov. 21: Shelter in Place; and Dec. 19: Home Hazard Hunt.
For more, see the Prepare In A Year guide.