In a warehouse south of Salem, a team of state employees packed 1,500 boxes filled with canned foods and other essentials. This effort wasn’t just about providing food. It was part of a larger exercise led by Ed Flick, director of the Office of Resilience and Emergency Management. The goal? To prepare for major emergencies in Oregon.
The office was created in September 2020 after devastating wildfires destroyed over 4,000 homes. Since then, it has played a crucial role in disaster response. They’ve distributed emergency supplies, set up warming and cooling centers during extreme weather, and provided air purification resources during wildfires.
But their mission has expanded. Recently, they are gearing up to assist families affected by the federal government shutdown and those who might lose access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) due to new eligibility rules. In fact, one in six Oregonians rely on SNAP. A federal court ruling was necessary to restore benefits after many were left without assistance earlier this month.
In February, the office awarded $10 million in grants to 87 organizations to serve as “resilience hubs.” These hubs provide critical resources during emergencies and help strengthen community preparedness. This funding comes from House Bill 3409, passed by the Oregon Legislature in 2023.
Flick emphasizes that the office is focused not only on immediate response but also on helping families become self-sufficient. “We don’t just wait around for disaster,” he said. “We work every day to strengthen resilience.”
This proactive approach reflects a growing trend in emergency management. As disasters become more frequent due to climate change, preparation and resilience are more important than ever. According to a recent survey from the National Association of Counties, 75% of local governments now prioritize emergency preparedness as a core function.
In keeping with this trend, the Office of Resilience and Emergency Management continues to work diligently to support Oregonians and enhance the state’s overall readiness for whatever comes next.
For more details on their initiatives, you can visit the Office of Resilience and Emergency Management.
