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Portland is a Sanctuary City

Find sanctuary city resources from the City of Portland's Immigrant & Refugee Program, including free legal services and state resources for reporting hate crimes, bias incidents, discrimination, and violations of Oregon's sanctuary laws.

Flood Safety

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Graphic says: Be informed. Stay safe. Graphic shows icons for don't walk and don't drive in flood waters.
Flooding can damage property and threaten lives. Stay informed, be prepared, and stay safe. This information is useful if you know a flood may be coming. For long term preparation of your home, see How to Prepare if You Live or Work in a Floodplain.
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Stay informed

Be prepared

Protect yourself and your family and pets: 

  • Have a go-kit ready in case you have to leave your home quickly. 
  • Have an emergency evacuation and communications plan for your family. 
  • Prepare a list of emergency phone numbers to keep in your car, at work, and in your phone. 
  • Get to know your neighbors. They are your most immediate support network during an emergency. 

Protect your property

  • Shut off the gas and electricity when you know a flood is coming. 
  • Move valuable belongings to upper floors or higher cabinets. 
  • Find locations to get free sandbags in southeast and southwest Portland.   
  • Make a record of all your personal property. Take a room-by-room inventory of your home and document with photos or video. Inventory forms are available free from most insurance companies or you can make your own. The inventory is also good to have in the event of a fire or theft. 

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Stay safe

  • Do not walk through flowing water. Six inches of flowing water can knock you off your feet. If you must walk through water, use a pole or stick for stability. 
  • Do not drive through flood waters. It takes only 12 inches of water to sweep your car away. Driving through shallower flood waters can also damage your vehicle, and the wake you create can cause more damage to nearby buildings.  
  • Stay away from power lines and electrical wires. Electrical current travels through water and can be deadly. Report downed power lines to your power company. 
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