SALEM, OR -- Oregon’s Office of Emergency Management is looking back over a busy year. Andrew Phelps took over as Director in February, just ahead of a record-breaking summer. "We had 24 counties declare drought emergencies; we had a statewide emergency declaration for wildfires; and at the end of 2015, multiple counties were included in a state emergency declaration due to flooding and severe winter weather. A pretty busy year, but we’re looking to build on everything we’ve learned in 2015 for a much better, safer and happier 2016."

But, Phelps says there were good aspects of his first year at the helm. "We conducted hundreds of hours of training, facilitated dozens of exercises and wrote, reviewed and revised dozens of plans; all with the number one goal of insuring Oregonians are better prepared of any emergency or disaster regardless of cause."

He issued a plea, asking Oregonians to take emergency preparedness seriously in the New Year. And, he’s asking for everyone’s help. "We all have a role to play to make sure we’re better prepared in 2016; and we’re asking you to share your emergency preparedness resolutions in 2016 on social media. Simply use #ReadyOR16 and include what you’re resolving to do to be better prepared in 2016."

For tips on getting your family prepared in the New Year, click HERE.