Wasco County introduces Perimeter mapping tool for real‑time evacuation and shelter information

Wasco County Emergency Services presented a new mapping platform called Perimeter to The Dalles City Council on March 24. County staff said Perimeter will provide near‑real‑time maps that show evacuation areas, evacuation levels, evacuation routes and public resources such as shelter locations and water pickup stations. The public can access the system through Perimeter’s web map for Wasco County.

Presenters said first responders in the field can draw evacuation zones and publish updates directly from the incident scene, which will shorten the time between an event and public availability of maps. Perimeter also integrates with the county’s citizen alert system so alerts sent to phones can include a link to the live map showing the recipient’s location relative to evacuation zones. County staff said only designated dispatchers and the county public information officer will be able to publish to the public site.

City officials present said the tool should aid public communications during wildfire and other emergencies; Public Works staff have already begun using Perimeter for road‑closure and detour mapping, the county said. Council members asked the county to return with a report after Perimeter is used during an actual incident, and county staff welcomed further questions and collaboration with city departments.