Click on the links below to learn more about BEECNs, find a site near you, and get prepared for an earthquake.
Introduction to BEECN
A BEECN is a temporary radio communications site staffed by at least two volunteers after a major earthquake that takes down phone lines. BEECNs are places where you can report severe damage or injury or ask for emergency assistance when phones are down.
It’s best if you can stay at home and remain self-sufficient until help arrives. If that’s not possible, go to a BEECN if you need to call for emergency assistance. To find the closest BEECN, either:
- Go to PortlandMaps.com, search for your address at the top right, then scroll down the right column to the bottom of the Public Safety section.
- Or view and print out a card showing all BEECN locations in the City: Download PDF fileBEECN Map and site listings (6.37 Mb)
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BEECNs are easily located under a clearly marked red and white tent. At these sites, you’ll see BEECN volunteers, pre-designated City employees, Neighborhood Emergency Team (NET) members or other volunteers operating emergency radio equipment. There are 50 locations throughout Portland. The list of BEECNs may change over time.
The Portland Bureau of Emergency Management (PBEM) hopes to have BEECNs up and running 24-48 hours of a major earthquake. The reality is that some sites will be activated before that, and others may take longer to establish depending on the damage caused by the quake.
BEECNs are primarily intended for communication purposes—requesting emergency assistance and reporting severe damage. But BEECNs will also have information regarding where to find information concerning the disaster response.
BEECN Informational Sessions & Training
- Everyone is invited to attend a free, online, 90-minute training, which is typically offered once per month.
- The May, 2025 session has not yet been scheduled.