Salem, Oregon – Oregon’s local and tribal jurisdictions now have a powerful set of tools to help them clean up faster after wildfires. The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) has put out the Wildfire Debris Management Checklist and Resources. This is a new tool to help communities deal with the difficult aftermath of wildfires. You may now get the documents on the state’s disaster recovery website, wildfire.oregon.gov.
The guide is based on two main steps in the recovery process: getting rid of hazardous trash and cleaning up debris, ash, and trees that could be dangerous. These procedures make up a complete plan to help emergency workers and local leaders deal with the challenges of post-fire activities.
The most important parts of the checklist are the step-by-step instructions for notifying the public and the advice on how to safely return to damaged regions. It also has tools for figuring out how much damage has been done, how much it will cost to clean up, and how to deal with different regulatory issues, like getting waivers and working with landfills.
Another important part of the guidance is the explanation of Right-of-Entry (ROE) permissions. These are legal documents that let cleanup personnel go onto private property to pick up trash. The document makes clear the legal criteria for ROEs and explains how authorities should interact with homeowners and contractors. It also talks about how to test for asbestos, how to handle dangerous materials, and the best ways to work with garbage disposal companies.
The checklist has methods of communication to help with community outreach, such as how to let people know about cleanup schedules and safety measures. During times filled with intense emotion, it’s extremely crucial to send clear messages. The guidance aims to keep communities informed and involved throughout the recovery process.
OEM instructs officials to call the Oregon Emergency Response System (OERS) if they need help immediately. There are two numbers you can call, depending on where you are. For questions in the Salem region, call 503-378-6377. For questions in the rest of the state, call 800-452-0311. If the Governor declares a formal state of emergency, the State Debris Management Task Force and the State Emergency Coordination Center may be able to help more and work together.
OEM wants emergency management teams to make the most of these materials by including them in their local recovery plans and sharing them widely with other organizations. Communities may get better at getting ready for wildfires, lower their risk, and speed up the process of getting back to normal by using the checklist ahead of time.
You may find the updated information on Oregon’s official wildfire website in the “After Wildfires: Recovery and Support” section.
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