September is Preparedness Month – Are You Ready, Lane County?
Welcome to Lane County’s “6 Weeks of Ready” Campaign!
September 11 – October 24, 2025
Disasters can happen anytime — but being prepared makes all
the difference. That’s why Lane County is launching “6 Weeks of Ready,”
a focused preparedness campaign running from September 11 through October 24,
culminating with two events to test your progress-- the Great ShakeOut
earthquake drill and the Great Oregon Camp-In.
Each week, we'll provide practical tips, step-by-step
guidance, and helpful resources to support you and your household in
becoming more disaster-ready. Whether you're building an emergency kit,
creating a family communication plan, or learning how to stay informed during a
crisis, our goal is simple:
By the end of the six weeks, you’ll be noticeably more
prepared for whatever comes your way. Follow along on our website, join local events, and take
action each week — because preparedness is something we all have the power to
build.
WEEKLY THEMES
Week 1 (September 11 - 18) “Stock Up and Stay Safe” Whether you need to evacuate quickly or shelter in place,
having the right supplies on hand is essential. This week focuses on building a
go kit and gathering emergency supplies to help you stay safe and
self-sufficient in the days following a disaster.
Week 2 (September 19 - 26) “Can You Hear Me?” This week is all about making sure you can communicate
during an emergency — with your loved ones, your community, and with emergency
services. Learn how to build a personal communication plan, sign up for Lane
County’s emergency alert system to stay informed when it matters most, tackle
common communication challenges associated with disaster, and explore alternate
methods for staying connected when traditional systems go down.
Week 3 (September 27 - October 1) “Eat. Drink. Prepare.” During this week, we’re taking a deeper dive into one of the most
critical aspects of preparedness: food and water. Learn how much to store, what
types last the longest, how to safely store water, and tips for building a
pantry that can sustain your household during emergencies. We’ll also share
creative solutions for cooking without power and keeping supplies fresh over
time.
Week 4 (October 2 – 9) “Whole Family Ready: Kids, Pets &
Peace of Mind” This week is all about making sure your whole family
is ready — including children and pets. While their needs are different,
planning for both often goes hand-in-hand: they depend on adults for care,
thrive with routines, and benefit from clear preparation. Plus, getting kids
involved in pet preparedness is a great way to teach responsibility and build
confidence. Learn how to create kid- and pet-specific go bags, talk to children
about emergencies, and plan for staying together during evacuations or extended
disruptions.
Week 5 (October 10 – 16) “Shake, Prepare, Respond:
Earthquake & Tsunami Readiness” Being prepared for a major Cascadia event means you’re ready
for almost any disaster, so this week, we focus on two of Lane County’s biggest
natural threats: earthquakes and tsunamis. Learn how to secure your space and practice
the “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” technique during shaking to protect yourself.
For tsunami preparedness, we’ll guide you through evacuation routes, explain
warning systems, and emphasize the importance of practicing quick and safe
evacuations, especially if you live or work near the coast.
Week 6 (October 17 – 24) “From Ready to Resilient: The
Journey Continues” Congratulations! Over the past five weeks, you’ve built a
solid foundation in emergency preparedness — from assembling your go kit and
communication plan to understanding earthquake and tsunami safety. This final
week is a chance to reflect on what you’ve accomplished and look ahead. We’ll
share ways to deepen your preparedness, connect with community resources, and
keep your family ready for whatever comes next. Preparedness is a journey, not
a destination — and every step forward makes you and your community stronger.