Mr. Stinson described the role of DCSO as one of County-wide planning and coordination with federal, state and municipal agencies. Technical assistance including help with federal and state funding for local agencies, e.g. fire districts is also provided. A Search and Rescue service is provided with volunteers. DCSO operates the County’s 911 system. The County’s 911 system was "swamped" with calls during the snow storm in February 2019. Many calls did not meet the standard for emergencies.

In a major event such as a "Cascadia Subduction" earthquake, many communities would become "islands" cut off from communications and outside supplies of fuel, water, food and other essentials.

The best emergency and disaster preparedness model is that of the individual, family, neighborhood and community-wide/coordinated response.

Dr. Dannenhoffer described the role of Douglas County’s Public Health Agency as one of County-wide planning and coordination of the critical health components of the County’s Disaster Plan. These components include hospitals, emergency medical services, communicable disease control and others in coordination with community-based responders, e.g. Fire, EMS, Red Cross shelters and others.

Mr. Houck described the "herculean" efforts of Pacific Power crews from Washington, Oregon and California and its contractors in restoring electric power to its customers across its service area. Crews replaced miles of downed lines. Most customers had power restored within one week of shutdowns.

Mr. Houck reviewed several standard precautions when encountering downed power lines, the operation of the new "smart meters," and encouraged customers to continue to use the Pacific Power contact number for downed power lines. That number is 1-877-508—5088.

Ms. Young described the community planning model for the CERT program. CERT has training modules for individuals and can offer these training opportunities on request. CERT trainers are prepared and ready to conduct classes at this time. The CERT table has many free materials including home preparedness check lists; please take them home.　

Ms. King described the role and emergency/disaster response resources and services of the ARC. Provision of equipment and supplies for emergency shelters is one important component. Several potential shelter facilities have been identified in the Glide/Idleyld Park region. These facilities would be selected based on the type, e.g. flood, fire and location of the individual emergency situation and are confidential until formally announced to the public during an event. The American Red Cross table has many free materials including home preparedness check lists.

Chief Damewood described the challenges faced by our rural volunteer fire department in responding to demands placed upon it during the February snow storm. He compared Glide Fire’s response statistics, medical, vehicle, fire, public assist and other CY2019 year-to-date with CY2018 data. Fire District volunteers responded to 66 events during a 9 day period between Feb. 24 and Mar. 4, nearly 75% of which were welfare checks, downed electric lines and motor vehicle related. The balance (25%) of events were medical related. Reliable communications within and outside of the District was a major obstacle. The Fire District is not prepared to respond to these events and desperately in need of volunteers to step up and help.

The new solar power system installed at the Glide Fire Station is a huge step forward in Glide’s preparedness for future emergency events. Grant funding from Pacific Power paid $160,000 for its 69 kWh power generation system. Glide Fire invested $40,000 in a 20 kWh battery backup system to supply power for essential equipment for extended power outages.

Audience participation centered on questions of potable water supplies, communications, emergency power supplies for medically fragile persons and planning for a major event such as the Cascadia Earthquake.

Attendance was estimated to have been approximately 100 including panel members, their staffs and the exhibitors. Exhibitor tables included: Umpqua Survival, Glide Rural Fire District, American Red Cross, Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), Pacific Power and Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Emergency Management Division.