NEWPORT — In the largest exercise of its kind on the Oregon coast, a variety of local, state and federal agencies will conduct a two-day exercise next week to introduce and train first responders and volunteers in the deployment of an evacuation center now housed at the Newport airport.
Agencies involved include Lincoln County Emergency Management, the Oregon Department of Human Services’ office of emergency management, the city of Newport, Scappoose Fire District, Life Flight, Team Rubicon, and the U.S. Coast Guard.
The exercise will take place Tuesday and Wednesday when emergency management personnel respond to a simulated emergency, such as a Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake and ensuing tsunami. First responders will set up, test and take down tents and other emergency equipment.
In March, the state delivered two heavy duty metal containers storing the emergency equipment to the Newport airport.
This evacuation point is intended for temporary use to triage and provide shelter to people who need to be evacuated off the coast to receive additional assistance or to return home to other parts of Oregon. Over the course of the two-day event, there will be demonstrations, preparedness activities, and overnight sheltering provided.
There is also emergency evacuation equipment at the Tillamook Airport and the state plans to establish a third on the south coast this summer.