FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Michael Cox (503) 823-6593
Mayor Ted Wheeler Declares State of Emergency for City of Portland
City seeks additional funds and equipment to aid in response to severe weather events
PORTLAND, OR – Today, Mayor Ted Wheeler declared a State of Emergency for the City of Portland following the largest single day of snowfall in a decade, and a series of severe weather events that have persisted since January 1.
The winter storm is compounding an existing housing emergency and affecting key transportation routes, public transportation, and the delivery of core public services. City public safety bureaus, including the Portland Police Bureau, Portland Fire & Rescue, Portland Bureau of Transportation, Portland Bureau of Emergency Communications, Portland Bureau of Emergency Management, and other City, Multnomah County, and State of Oregon partners, non-profits, and local businesses have been responding to this nearly unprecedented set of weather related events. The response continues to strain local resources.
The emergency declaration will be sent through the County and State for approval by the President of the United States. If approved, Portland will have access to additional resources – including funds and equipment.
The Mayor is calling on City employees and all Portlanders to approach and help anyone in distress, including finding an emergency shelter by calling 2-1-1 or visiting www.211info.org, contacting 9-1-1 for anyone with a medical emergency, or contacting the City’s non-emergency line at 503-823-3333 for individuals on the street in need of support.
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