State 'Two Weeks Ready' program promoted to West Linn neighborhood; coordinator offers host guides and training

A state program coordinator told the West Linn Sustainability Advisory Group that the "Two Weeks Ready" emergency-preparedness program is intended to be low-bar and neighborhood-driven, and offered community-host guides and training to interested neighbors.

"This is a state program, and then there is a community host guide," the coordinator said, adding that the guide includes short, practical sections such as a three-page water plan and activities groups can use. The coordinator said about "5 ish" community hosts have signed up so far and that one has been especially active, bringing training like CPR to her neighborhood.

Members asked how the program reaches people; the coordinator said dissemination runs through multiple channels, including cities and nonprofits, and offered to provide books for neighborhood groups and the upcoming electric-equipment fair. Chair (Speaker 2) and others agreed to include the shopping-list pamphlet from Portland Bureau of Emergency Management (PBEM) with minutes and outreach materials.

Why it matters: the guide is framed as a way for neighbors to build mutual support ahead of earthquakes, wildfires, winter storms and other emergencies. The program coordinator emphasized practical steps and community-building, such as neighborhood lists of who has generators or special equipment.

Next steps: the coordinator offered to give multiple copies of the host guide to any neighborhood group that wants to run a meeting and asked organizers to report back to the state with a brief note when groups meet.