SALEM, OR -- Oregon launched a new Be 2 Weeks Ready toolkit as part of Preparedness Month, to encourage people to be ready for any disaster.

Oregon Department of Emergency Management's Kayla Thompson acknowledges it's scary to consider needing to shelter in place or evacuate. But, she says, "I want people to feel empowered and not frightened."

The new online toolkit provides short- and long-term goals, like stocking up on favorite shelf-stable foods and water. Thompson says, "It can feel overwhelming to take all those steps and gather the supplies. But, you're likely more prepared than you think." And, there are steps to take now that cost nothing, "We encourage folks to read the Be 2 Weeks Ready toolkit, start talking to their family, learn their local hazards. Do they live in a wildfire area? Are they more prone to ice storms?" She adds, "Situational awareness is really important, so just being signed up for alerts and knowing what could potentially happen in your area. And then, when you're not in that season, wildfire season or ice storm season, being able to take steps towards your preparedness."

Thompson says planning the toolkit began as part of the state's preparation for a large earthquake, "In the event that they are stuck in their home, so they can be self-sufficient, because response from first responders will be delayed. But everything in there also applies to - we talk about the go bag; that applies during wildfire season. Having to shelter in place; that applies to the ice storm season. Having that extra water supply; maybe your area gets put on a boil water notice."  She notes, "The inspiration for the Be 2 Weeks Ready program was the Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake. But everything in that toolkit- it applies to any sort of disaster." 

Click HERE to access the new toolkit. Thompson says this is a good time to evaluate if you and your family are prepared, since fire season is winding down and winter storm season is right around the corner.