Get Connected
Connect with your phone
Texting is preferred
During a disaster, use voice phone calls for emergency purposes only, such as calling 911 for help. Text for everything else. A text will usually get through when lines are busy. If you can’t call 911 because of a busy line, try texting 911.
Wireless emergency alerts (WEA)
Your cell phone is able to alert you to dangerous weather, missing children, and other critical situations using Wireless Emergency Alerts. Make sure this feature is enabled on your phone.
Connect with preparedness information
Take5toSurvive.com is our source for disaster preparedness information in Washington County. You’ll find flyers, five-minute preparedness projects, and lots of helpful disaster preparedness information.
Ready.gov is a national emergency preparedness website with lots of great disaster preparedness information. You’ll find information on hazards, emergency plan tools, and resources for everyone.
RedCross.org has great emergency preparedness information, links to local events and disaster skills classes, the ability to donate to support people affected by disaster, and much more.
Emergency Applications
- Everbridge alerts you to emergencies and critical community incidents in Washington County when they are happening.
- PulsePoint empowers individuals with the ability to provide lifesaving assistance to victims of cardiac arrest.
- Emergency American Red Cross lets you monitor conditions in your area or areas of loved ones, check to see if loved ones are safe and let them know you’re safe.
- Nextdoor helps you stay informed about what’s going on in your neighborhood. Washington County and cities share important information on Nextdoor.
- FEMA delivers fast and reliable notifications about severe weather for up to five locations nationwide. Includes safety information and preparedness tips.
Connect with real-time information
Weather information anywhere
Mobile.weather.gov is provided by the National Weather Service. This mobile-friendly website has real-time weather information (including severe weather watches and warnings) and local area forecasts.
Real-time information at home
NOAA Weather Radio is a source for real-time severe weather alerts and warnings and other local hazardous conditions. The radios use location technology to ensure you only receive warnings for your area.
Community notification system
PublicAlerts.org allows you to sign-up for emergency notifications for your home, school, or workplace in Washington County. You can choose to receive alerts by phone call, text, or email.
Connect with people and your community
There are many ways to connect with other preparedness-minded people. Washington County hosts Citizen Corps and affiliated programs which are great ways to volunteer and get involved.
The mission of Citizen Corps is to harness the power of every individual through education, training, and volunteer service to make communities safer, stronger, and better prepared to respond to the threats of terrorism, crime, public health issues, and disasters of all kinds. Programs that offer opportunities to volunteer and get involved include Amateur Radio Emergency Service, Community Emergency Response Team, Medical Reserve Corps, and Neighborhood Watch.
Additional Resources
PublicAlerts: @PublicAlerts
Portland National Weather Service: @NWSPortland
Red Cross Cascades: @RedCrossCasc
Oregon Office of Emergency Management: @OregonOEM
Washington County: @WashcoOregon
Washington County Roads: @WashcoRoads
Learn more on related flyers:
Get involved: Volunteer programs in Washington County
- Amateur Radio Emergency Service
http://washcoares.org - Community Emergency Response Team
www.bit.ly/2QhwAN8 - Medical Reserve Corps
www.bit.ly/2ZjHllr - National Neighborhood Watch
www.bit.ly/444TGvG