As wildfire danger continues to increase across Oregon, state and federal emergency officials are reminding residents that one of the most important steps they can take before an emergency occurs is registering for their local emergency notification system.
Governor Tina Kotek recently declared a statewide emergency due to the imminent threat of wildfire, citing increasing temperatures, dry vegetation, persistent drought conditions and historically low mountain snowpack. The declaration allows state agencies to mobilize firefighting resources more quickly while also reinforcing the importance of public preparedness throughout the 2026 wildfire season.
For residents of Josephine County, Jackson County and communities across Southern Oregon, wildfire evacuations have become an increasingly familiar reality in recent years. Emergency managers say advance preparation remains one of the most effective ways to protect lives and reduce confusion when evacuation orders are issued.
One of the state’s primary recommendations is enrolling in Oregon’s free emergency alert system through OR-Alert. The website serves as a statewide portal that connects residents with their county’s official emergency notification system. After entering a county, city or ZIP code, users are directed to their local registration page where they can sign up to receive emergency notifications by text message, email or telephone. Registration is free.
Officials emphasize that OR-Alert is not a separate statewide notification service. Instead, it helps residents locate and subscribe to the official alert system used by the county or tribal jurisdiction where they live. Emergency notifications may include wildfire evacuations, severe weather, hazardous materials incidents, flooding, road closures and other situations that require immediate public attention.
Emergency preparedness experts encourage residents to complete registration before an emergency develops. During a fast-moving wildfire, evacuation notices may change quickly, making timely notifications critical for residents living in threatened areas.
State agencies are also encouraging every household to develop a family evacuation plan. That plan should identify multiple evacuation routes, designate a meeting location if family members become separated, and include arrangements for pets, livestock, elderly family members and anyone with medical needs.
Preparing an emergency “go kit” is another recommendation being emphasized this wildfire season. Officials suggest keeping essential supplies together in an easily accessible location so they can be loaded into a vehicle within minutes if evacuation becomes necessary. Common items include prescription medications, identification, insurance information, important financial documents, several days of clothing, drinking water, nonperishable food, flashlights, batteries, chargers, hygiene supplies and pet necessities.
Emergency managers also encourage residents to become familiar with Oregon’s three evacuation levels. A Level 1 notification advises residents to be ready and begin preparing for possible evacuation. Level 2 means conditions have become more dangerous and people should be prepared to leave at any moment. Level 3 instructs residents to leave immediately because there is an immediate threat to life and safety.
Officials also recommend keeping wireless emergency alerts enabled on mobile phones, monitoring local news outlets during periods of elevated fire danger, and remaining aware of changing weather conditions and local burn restrictions throughout the summer.
According to state officials, approximately 70 percent of Oregon’s wildfires are caused by human activity, making prevention and preparedness shared responsibilities across every community. By registering for emergency alerts, maintaining an evacuation plan and preparing a go kit before an emergency occurs, residents can place themselves in a better position to respond quickly if wildfire threatens their neighborhood.
With Oregon now entering the most active months of wildfire season, emergency management officials continue encouraging every household that has not yet registered for free emergency notifications to do so as soon as possible, ensuring they can receive timely information whenever conditions change.