Mitigation

Deschutes County Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan Community Input Session

Join us in August for an information session and open house about the 2026 Deschutes County Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan, and share your input on how we can reduce the risk of natural hazards across our community.

Tuesday, August 18th, 4:00–5:30 p.m.

Deschutes Public Library – Central, 61956 SE Santorini Street, Bend

Community members are invited to review the plan and share comments during the final public input opportunity for this plan update. An information session will be hosted from 4:00-4:30 p.m., followed by an open house from 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Deschutes County Natural Hazards Mitigation Survey

We asked for your feedback through a community survey regarding natural disaster concerns. 771 people responded, providing valuable feedback

Deschutes County Emergency Management asked residents to share their experiences, concerns, and priorities related to natural hazards and emergency preparedness. The response was strong: more than 770 community members participated in the Natural Hazards Survey, providing valuable insights that will help shape the 2026 Deschutes County Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan (NHMP).

Key Findings from the Survey Include:

• Top hazards experienced: Winter storms (62%), wildfire (58%), and extreme heat (40%).

• Preparedness actions: Many households have signed up for emergency alerts and created evacuation plans or supply kits, but fewer have documented property, built emergency savings, or completed more complex preparedness steps.

• Barriers to preparedness: Time, cost, storage limitations, and lack of clear information were the most commonly cited challenges.

• Trusted information sources: Emergency services were identified as the most trusted source for preparedness and safety information, followed by email newsletters, online news, and social media.

Residents also shared ideas for how the County can reduce risk, including wildfire mitigation, clearer evacuation maps, improved alerts, support for vulnerable populations, and expanded community training opportunities.

What Happens Next

Survey results will directly inform the development of the 2026 Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan, which guides Deschutes County’s efforts to reduce risk, prioritize projects, and pursue grant funding for hazard mitigation and preparedness.

Emergency Management will:

• Use survey feedback to guide planning discussions and mitigation priorities

• Continue community outreach and education focused on practical, achievable preparedness steps

• Share additional opportunities for public input as the planning process moves forward

Residents interested in learning more or staying involved are encouraged to contact Deschutes County Emergency Management at emergency.management@deschutes.org.

For more information, contact Ashley Volz at ashley.volz@deschutes.org.

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