Disaster Preparedness

Preparing your Property for Disasters

When preparing yourself and your family for natural disasters, you should also make sure you are preparing your property as well. Preparing your property will help limit damages, keeping you and your household safer during and after a disaster. Like all preparedness, property preparedness starts with knowing the potential disasters in your area so you know what exactly you should be preparing for. Here in western Lane County, we are primarily preparing for the potential of wildfire, tsunamis (which include earthquakes and flooding), and strong winds.

“Creating Defensible Space” OSFM

Preparing Your Property for Wildfire

Preparing your Property for Tsunamis, Earthquakes, and Flooding

Preparing your Property for Strong Winds

Preparing your Property for Wildfire

Preparing your property for wildfires is primarily about preventing the spread of fire through landscaping and routine upkeep. One of the best things you can do for your property is to plant fire-resistant plants. Fire-resistant plants are plants that do not easily ignite or readily fuel a fire with their foliage. You can reference the PNW Extension publication “Fire-Resistant Plants for Home Landscapes” for inspiration and further information about fire-resistant landscaping.

Another key element to preventing the spread of wildfire across your property is to create defensible space. “Defensible space is the buffer you create between your [property] and the grass, trees, shrubs, or any wildland area that surrounds it” (Oregon State Fire Marshall). The Oregon State Fire Marshall (OSFM) promotes the Defensible Space Program, which encourages all Oregonians to make and maintain a defensible space on their property.

You should also consult your insurance agent about acquiring wildfire or catastrophe insurance.

For more information about the Oregon Defensible Space program and to schedule a FREE defensible space assessment for your home, visit Oregon Defensible Space.org 

Click here to view Oregon’s Defensible Space Assessment Tool and Checklist.

Preparing your Property for Tsunamis, Earthquakes, and Flooding

The great CSZ earthquake and tsunami is the greatest potential natural disaster we can experience here in western Lane County. As intimidating as it is, there are steps you can take to prepare your property to hopefully limit the damage caused by the earthquake and subsequent tsunami and flooding.

You should also consult your insurance agent about acquiring flood or catastrophe insurance.

Earthquakes:

  • Secure items that could fall during an earthquake by fastening large furniture to the walls and installing cabinet locks.
  • Prune trees regularly to prevent fallen limbs.
  • Check and make sure your house is anchored to its foundation.
    • Reach out to a contractor if you need support with this.
  • Repair deep ceiling and foundation cracks.

Learn more about preparing your property for an earthquake here. 

Tsunami/Flooding:

  • Elevate and anchor your critical utilities, including electrical panels, sockets, wiring, appliances, etc.
  • Install and maintain a sump pump and backup pump to limit water from entering and idling in the home.
  • Clear debris from gutters and downspouts to avoid water build up.
  • If you are in a flood plane or your home is prone to flooding, consider elevating your furniture.
  • Check your home for gaps and cracks where water could seep in and seal those openings.
  • Keep sandbags accessible and place them around doors or flood-prone areas to help divert water and prevent it from entering your home.

Learn more about preparing your property for a tsunami and flooding here.

Preparing your Property for Strong Winds

Windstorms and high winds are the most common disaster in western Lane County, so it is essential that your property is prepared for them. To prepare your property for strong winds, you should:

  • Trim loose or weak tree branches near your house or surrounding power lines.
  • Secure loose gutters, shutters, and outdoor items. Smaller outdoor items should be moved inside.