September is National Preparedness Month – Are You 2 Weeks Ready?
- September 1, 2026 | Category: Your Water
National Preparedness Month is an observance each September to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies that could happen at any time.
Oregon has experienced numerous emergencies and disasters, including floods, drought, wildfires, excessive heat, and a pandemic. If these disasters that have impacted our state have taught us anything, it’s that being prepared can make a big difference.
Medford Water is hard at work, maintaining our system and improving its resiliency so that we can recover faster if our system is impacted in such an event, and we want our customers to be prepared as well!
While the traditional three days of supplies is a good start and helpful for short-term power outages or a temporary evacuation, experts recommend that each Oregon citizen proactively prepare to be self-sufficient for at least two weeks during a disaster. This is because first responders may not be able to reach everyone impacted within hours or even days after a disaster, especially in the event of a Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake. Utilities may be out for an extended time as well.
Find out how to be 2 Weeks Ready, including how to make a plan, how to build a kit, and how much water you and your family need to survive on your own for a full two weeks here.