Disasters can strike without warning, and your community can change in an instant and emergency response may be delayed for days – or even weeks. That’s why personal preparedness is essential.
Start by signing up for emergency alerts via text, email, or voice message at PublicAlerts.org. Follow the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office on Facebook and X, subscribe to FlashAlerts, and bookmark the County’s Office of Emergency Management for up-to-date resources and guidance.
Below is a comprehensive list of local, state and federal resources:
The City periodically hosts a disaster preparedness seminar that we encourage everyone to attend. The video in this section is a 3-minute recap of the November 2024 seminar that was led by Troutdale Emergency Manager Ray Young and Multnomah County Emergency Management Operations Division Chief Alice Busch, EMT, CEM. The full 2-hour seminar is also available to watch on YouTube. Versions of the seminar were also presented in Spanish at Fairview City Hall on March 6, 2025 and in Ukrainian at Wood Village City Hall.
Visit troutdaleoregon.gov/prepare for more content from the seminars.
Troutdale is located in a seismically active region, and preparing for a major quake in the Cascadia Subduction Zone—think a magnitude of 8.0 to 9.0 or higher—is essential. While we can’t predict exactly when an earthquake will strike, we can take steps now to be ready. The region is also home to several active volcanoes, such as Mount Hood, which pose additional risks that often coincide with seismic activity. The video in this section is a trailer from an OPB production of Unprepared: An Oregon Field Guide Special, which provides an in-depth look at the state of preparedness in Oregon.
Below, you’ll find key information on how to stay safe before, during, and after an earthquake, along with resources to help you and your family build resilience.
- Be Informed: Earthquakes (Ready.gov)
- Seven Steps to Earthquake Safety (Earthquake Country Alliance)
- Earthquakes and Tsunamis (Multnomah County)
- Seismic Activity Map (Pacific Northwest Seismic Network)
- Cascades Volcano Observatory (USGS)
- Be Informed: Volcanoes (Ready.gov)
- Oregon Resilience Plan (Oregon Office of Emergency Management)
The 2017 Eagle Creek Fire was a powerful reminder that wildfire danger can reach into communities like Troutdale. While we’re not in the heart of the forest, our location near the Columbia River Gorge and surrounding natural areas means the risk is real—especially during hot, dry, and windy conditions. Taking steps now to prepare your home and family can help protect lives and property. Below are resources to help you create defensible space, stay informed, and be ready in case of evacuation.
- State of Oregon Fires and Hotspots Dashboard (Oregon OEM)
- Homeowners’ guide to wildfires (Multnomah County)
- Oregon Wildfire Resources (Oregon OEM)
- Preparedness tips (National Fire Protection Association)
- Wildfire advisories and maps (Northwest Interagency Coordination Center)
The 2021 heat dome brought record-breaking temperatures to much of the Pacific Northwest, highlighting just how dangerous extreme heat can be—even in areas not used to it. Prolonged high temperatures can pose serious health risks, especially for older adults, young children, and those with underlying conditions. Preparing for extreme heat means knowing how to stay cool, hydrated, and safe. Below are tips and resources to help you get ready before the next heat wave hits.
- Help for When it's Hot (Multnomah County)
- Extreme Heat Tips and Resources (CDC)
- Preventing Heat-related Illnesses (Oregon Health Authority)
Winter in Troutdale can bring severe weather, including heavy rain, high winds, ice, and even snow and freezing temperatures. These storms can lead to power outages, hazardous driving conditions, and property damage. Preparing ahead of time helps keep you, your family, and your home safe when the weather turns dangerous. Below are tips and resources to help you stay ready and resilient through the winter season.
- Preparing for Winter Storms (Oregon Health Authority)
- Care for When It's Cold (Multnomah County)
- Snow and Ice Priority Routes (City of Troutdale)
- Snowstorms and Extreme Cold (Ready.gov)
- Winter Driving (City of Troutdale)
- Winterization (Regional Water Providers Consortium)
Flooding is the most common natural disaster in the United States, especially during periods of heavy rain and rapid snowmelt. With the Sandy River and other waterways nearby, it’s important for residents to understand the risks and be prepared. Whether it’s a minor overflow or a major flood event, knowing how to respond can protect your home, your safety, and your community.
Use the resources below to learn how to stay informed and take action before, during, and after a flood.
- City of Troutdale Flood Information
- Flooding and Landslides (Multnomah County)
- Be Informed - Floods (Ready.gov)
- Flood hazard maps (FEMA)
- Landslide Hazards (USGS)
Emergencies can happen without warning, and having a well-stocked emergency kit ensures you and your family are prepared to stay safe and self-sufficient for at least 72 hours. Whether it's a power outage, wildfire, flood, or earthquake, the right supplies can make all the difference. Your kit should include essentials like water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, first aid supplies, medications, and important documents. To help you get started, check out this short video on how to build an emergency preparedness kit:
- Get A Kit (Multnomah County)
- Build a Kit (Ready.gov)
- Personal Preparedness (Regional Water Providers' Consortium)
For questions on Emergency Management and Operations, please contact City Emergency Manager Ray Young at ray.young [at] troutdaleoregon.gov (ray[dot]young[at]troutdaleoregon[dot]gov).