danger
Changes to credit and debit card processing fees

Starting June 3, 2025, customers who use a credit or debit card to pay their sewer, stormwater, and water bill will pay a 2.95% processing fee. To avoid this fee, customers can make an electronic payment directly from their bank account. Learn more.

information
Portland is a Sanctuary City

The power is in the knowledge

Blog Post
Marisol Lozano-Peralta selfie on the left and another photo on the right shows her helping a volunteer use a fire extinguisher on an appliance fire.
Marisol Lozano-Peralta works with neighborhood volunteers who are prepared to assist in the event of a citywide emergency.
Published

Translate this Page

Earthquake. Flood. Ice storm. Wildfire. In the event of a major disaster, Portland relies on first responders such as firefighters, police, and paramedics. But what happens if the roads are gridlocked and first responders are overwhelmed by calls for help? That’s where Marisol Lozano-Peralta steps in. She helps coordinate the city’s Neighborhood Emergency Teams, a critical part of Portland’s preparations in case of disaster. 

The Portland Neighborhood Emergency Team (NET) program is a city-supported volunteer initiative that trains community members to assist in emergency and disaster response. Managed by the Portland Bureau of Emergency Management (PBEM), NET volunteers are trained in basic disaster response skills, including first aid, light search and rescue, fire suppression, and communication. In the event of a major emergency, NET members support their neighborhoods by providing critical assistance until professional responders can arrive, helping to build community resilience and preparedness throughout Portland.

What does a community engagement specialist do? My work consists of creating that bridge to connect the community members of the Spanish-speaking community with all the amazing information and resources that the city has available. I also prepare trainings and exercises for emergency preparedness. I work with a group called Unidos, which is a Neighborhood Emergency Team who all speak Spanish. I’m very proud of the work that we've done.

Why would neighbors do this? Isn’t that why we have police and firefighters? What changed was the Mexico City earthquake in 1985. It was a devastating quake that knocked out the power grid and the roads. The firefighters and ambulance crews were totally overwhelmed. So ordinary people, neighbors, became the first responders. They were able to assist and save lives. That's why these Neighborhood Emergency Teams started to develop. Portland has been training NETs in English for some time. And now I'm proud to say that we're training volunteers who speak Spanish.

That could make a big difference in an emergency. Yes. In 2018 there was a fire in the Cully neighborhood. A junkyard caught fire. They had a bunch of hazards in the yard, like a big pile of old tires. When the fire started, it was a lot of trouble because there's a lot of Spanish speakers living in the neighborhood who had to evacuate. No one knew how to communicate with them. The people didn't know what to do. They didn't know which way to evacuate. And the air was contaminated from the smoke, so people were not able to go back to their apartments straight away. People needed their medication, people got separated from their families. All because of language barriers. Luckily no one was hurt. But it showed why we need these Neighborhood Emergency Teams in all our communities. If you are prepared, you will know what to do in an emergency.  

What do Neighborhood Emergency Teams do, exactly? They are leaders in the community that are willing to help out in case of an emergency. They can do rescue, help people evacuate, give basic first aid, CPR, de-escalation training, shut off utilities. They can do radio communication, because cell service and internet service may be out. They know the neighborhood and communicate with people in the area. They get 28 hours of training. Sometimes people tell me, I can’t do much, I hurt my leg. And I always tell them, the power is in the knowledge. As long as you take the classes, you have the knowledge and you can be the person who tells the others what to do. Everyone has a part to play in disaster response, no matter your age, ability or language. 

How many people have signed up to join a NET? We have more than 1,500 volunteers all over the city. For the Unidos, we started with five people when I got here. Now we’re up to approximately 40. That's a great resource to help us be safe or more prepared for any sort of emergency. This program is crucial and I invite everyone to take advantage of it. This is how we make sure everybody's safe and everybody's alive. And it’s free. If people want to sign up, visit portland.gov/net or email NET@portlandoregon.gov.

What drew you to disaster preparedness? I was a pre-school teacher for 15 years. Then this opportunity opened up. I love this work because it’s so empowering. I am a first-generation immigrant and I understand some of the barriers facing our Spanish-speaking community.Knowing how to respond in an emergency is very powerful. You know that you matter, that you can make a difference, that you can help save people’s lives, in your neighborhood and wherever you go in the world. 

What do you like most about Portland? Number one is the nature. It’s one of the most beautiful places I've ever been. And I've been asked if I want to move. And honestly, I don't ever want to move. I love the snow, the rain. I like it just the way it is. And I also like the diversity here. I feel welcome. 

What do you like to do when you're not working? I like to spend time with my children. 

I have two children. They both love playing soccer. So yes, in our free time we, go to soccer games or tournaments around the city. And also because I like nature, we explore the city as well. 

Back to top