FAQs
- Confirmation that an evacuation has taken place
- General information about the receiving facility or temporary location
- Updated contact information for reaching your loved one
- Modified visitation or communication procedures
- Timeline for potential return to the original facility
- Specific evacuation routes or transportation methods
- Exact timing of evacuations
- Detailed security measures or protocols
- Specific locations during transport
- Information that could compromise future emergency operations
- All housing units where Adults in Custody reside
- Work areas where AICs are assigned duties
- Common areas including dining halls and recreation spaces
- Medical facilities within the correctional facility
- Any other areas where AICs spend significant time
- Particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) levels
- Air Quality Index (AQI) readings
- Visibility conditions
- Restriction of outdoor activities when air quality is poor
- Enhanced medical monitoring for individuals with respiratory conditions
- Distribution of N95 masks when appropriate
- Modified work schedules to minimize exposure
- Coordination with healthcare staff for respiratory health assessments
- Defensible space - cleared areas around structures that slow fire spread
- Building materials and construction - fire-resistant materials and design
- Access routes - entry/exit points for emergency responders
- Water availability - access to water sources for firefighting
- Terrain and vegetation - natural barriers and fuel load assessment
- Weather conditions - wind patterns and fire behavior predictions
- Extensive defensible space - large cleared perimeters with minimal vegetation
- Fire-resistant construction - concrete, steel, and other non-combustible materials
- Multiple water sources - dedicated water systems, storage tanks, and hydrants
- Wide access roads - designed for emergency vehicle access from multiple directions
- Minimal fire fuel - controlled landscaping with reduced combustible materials
- Emergency infrastructure - backup power, communication systems, and emergency supplies
- Facility's built-in fire protection systems
- Immediate access to water and firefighting resources
- Controlled environment with emergency protocols
- No exposure to transportation risks during dangerous conditions
- Road conditions and visibility during fire conditions
- Time required for secure transportation of large populations
- Resource allocation for safe transport operations
- Residential areas often have varied construction materials, closer vegetation, narrow access roads, and individual water systems
- Correctional facilities typically have uniform fire-resistant construction, extensive cleared areas, multiple access points, and dedicated fire suppression systems
- Evacuation logistics differ significantly - families can evacuate quickly in personal vehicles, while secure facilities require complex coordination and specialized transportation
- Regular updates on fire conditions and projections
- Continuous reassessment of shelter-in-place decisions
- Preparation for potential evacuation if conditions change
- Coordination with local fire departments and emergency services
- Real-time monitoring of facility defensibility factors
Will I be notified if my AIC is evacuated?
You will not receive advance notice or real-time updates during an evacuation. However, information about completed evacuations will be made available on this webpage once the evacuation process is concluded and it is safe to share details.
Why Information is Shared After Evacuation
Emergency evacuations require strict security protocols to ensure the safety of all involved. Sharing evacuation routes, timing, or destination information in advance or during transport could compromise the safety and security of the operation.
What Information Will Be Available After Evacuation
Once an evacuation is completed, this page will be updated with:
What Information Will Not Be Shared
For security and safety reasons, the following details will not be disclosed:
What about smoke overwhelming a facility?
DOC has comprehensive air quality protection measures in place. We continuously monitor air quality at all facilities and have industrial-grade HEPA smoke filtration systems ready for immediate deployment when smoke conditions threaten the health and safety of Adults in Custody.
Industrial HEPA Smoke Filtration Systems
DOC maintains a supply of industrial-grade HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) smoke filters specifically designed for wildfire smoke particles. These professional-grade systems are significantly more powerful than standard air purifiers and are designed to handle large-scale air filtration needs.
Deployment Locations
When air quality thresholds are reached, HEPA filtration systems will be deployed to:
Continuous Air Quality Monitoring
DOC staff continuously monitor air quality conditions using professional-grade equipment that measures:
This monitoring ensures that protective measures are activated before conditions become hazardous.
Additional Health Protection Measures
In addition to HEPA filtration, DOC implements comprehensive smoke protection protocols:
Rapid Response Protocol
Speed of deployment: HEPA filtration systems are pre-positioned and can be deployed within hours of air quality deterioration. DOC maintenance and emergency response teams are trained in rapid setup and operation of these systems.
Coverage capacity: The filtration systems are sized to provide adequate air cleaning for the spaces where they are deployed, ensuring meaningful protection for all occupants.
Why is the community under an evacuation order but a facility is specifically excluded from that evacuation notice?
Evacuation orders are determined by the fire's Incident Command based on specific safety criteria for each location. Correctional facilities are often designed and situated in ways that make them more defensible against wildfire than surrounding residential or wildland areas, leading Incident Command to determine that sheltering in place may be safer than attempting evacuation.
Defensibility Assessment Criteria
Incident Command evaluates locations based on several key factors:
Why Facilities Are Often More Defensible
Most correctional facilities have structural and situational advantages that make them more defensible than typical residential areas:
Shelter in Place vs. Evacuation Decision
Incident Command weighs the relative safety of two options:
Shelter in Place Advantages:
Evacuation Risks That May Be Considered:
Community vs. Facility Differences
Residential communities and correctional facilities face different wildfire risks:
Ongoing Coordination and Monitoring
Even when excluded from evacuation orders, DOC maintains continuous coordination with Incident Command:
Important: Evacuation decisions can change rapidly based on fire behavior, weather conditions, and other factors. Incident Command continuously monitors all locations and will modify orders as needed.
Health & Medical Care
- Enhanced air filtration - Priority placement in areas with HEPA filtration systems
- Medical-grade masks - N95 or higher-grade respiratory protection when appropriate
- Medication adjustments - Increased frequency of rescue inhalers and breathing treatments
- Continuous monitoring - Regular assessment of respiratory symptoms and oxygen levels
- Indoor restriction - Strict limitation of outdoor exposure during poor air quality
- Multiple pharmacy locations - Access to pharmacy stores across the state for medication refills and emergency supplies
- Emergency medication supplies - On-site reserves of critical medications for short-term disruptions
- Electronic prescriptions - Digital prescription systems that can be accessed from alternate locations
- Medication transport - Coordination with emergency services for medication delivery during transportation disruptions
- Substitute medications - Medical staff can authorize therapeutic substitutions when specific medications are temporarily unavailable
- Medical housing priority - Placement in medical units with enhanced air filtration systems
- Specialized equipment - Access to nebulizers, oxygen concentrators, and other respiratory support devices
- Medication optimization - Proactive adjustment of respiratory medications before symptoms worsen
- Frequent monitoring - Increased medical check-ins and vital sign monitoring during poor air quality
- Activity restrictions - Modified daily routines to minimize physical exertion during smoke exposure
- Essential personnel - Medical staff are designated as essential employees who remain on duty during emergencies
- Extended shifts - Medical teams may work extended hours to maintain coverage during staff transportation challenges
- Specialist access - Telemedicine capabilities and coordination with outside specialists when needed
- Emergency medical support - Coordination with local emergency medical services and hospitals
- On-site emergency care - Medical staff trained in emergency response and equipped for urgent care
- Emergency transport - Coordination with emergency medical services for hospital transport when needed
- Alternative routes - Pre-planned alternative transportation routes in case primary roads are compromised
- Hospital coordination - Established relationships with regional hospitals for emergency admissions
- Medical escorts - Trained correctional staff accompany AICs to external medical facilities
What if my AIC has asthma or other respiratory conditions?
AICs with respiratory conditions receive priority protection and specialized care. Medical staff maintain detailed health records and implement enhanced monitoring protocols for individuals with asthma, COPD, and other respiratory vulnerabilities during wildfire events.
Respiratory Protection Measures
Will my AIC still receive their medications during a wildfire emergency?
Yes, medication access is maintained through multiple pharmacy resources across the state. DOC maintains emergency medication protocols to ensure uninterrupted access to prescription medications.
Medication Continuity Systems
How are AICs with special medical needs protected from smoke exposure?
AICs with special medical needs receive individualized protection plans. Medical staff assess each person's specific vulnerabilities and implement tailored protective measures that may exceed standard facility protocols.
Individualized Protection Measures
Will medical staff still be available during wildfire emergencies?
Yes, medical staff will remain available throughout wildfire emergencies. DOC maintains essential medical staffing levels during all emergency situations, with contingency plans to ensure continuous healthcare coverage for all AICs.
Medical Staffing During Emergencies
What happens if an AIC needs emergency medical care during a wildfire?
Emergency medical care continues with enhanced coordination protocols. DOC maintains emergency medical response capabilities and works closely with local emergency services to ensure AICs receive necessary emergency care even during wildfire conditions.
Emergency Medical Response
Communication & Contact
- Safety-based decisions - Visitation may be suspended if roads are unsafe or if the facility is under emergency protocols
- Air quality considerations - Outdoor visits may be cancelled during poor air quality conditions
- Modified schedules - Visitation hours may be adjusted to accommodate emergency staffing needs
- Alternative arrangements - Video visitation may be prioritized when in-person visits are not safe
- Updated information - Check this webpage for facility-specific closures and ODOT's webpage for current road closures.
- Safety confirmations - General safety status of all AICs at affected facilities
- Service restoration updates - Expected timelines for phone service restoration
- Alternative contact methods - Instructions for emergency family contact if available
- Facility status - Current operational status and any changes to normal procedures
- Delivery delays - Mail may be delayed due to road closures and transportation safety concerns
- Sorting continuity - Incoming mail continues to be processed and sorted during emergencies, assuming the facility has not been evacuated, in which case mail is held at the local post office.
- Safety holds - Mail may be temporarily held if facility evacuation is imminent
- Forwarding services - Correspondence may be forwarded to temporary locations during evacuations. Books, magazines, and newspaper will not be forwarded.
- Electronic alternatives - The electronic messaging systems may be prioritized during mail delivery disruptions
- Emergency messages - Facility staff can facilitate emergency family communications
- Legal mail priority - Attorney correspondence receives priority handling during emergencies
- Electronic messaging - Digital communication systems may be available when postal service is disrupted
Will I still be able to call/visit my loved one during a wildfire event?
Phone services and visitation may be temporarily affected depending on wildfire conditions and emergency protocols. DOC prioritizes maintaining communication whenever safely possible, though some restrictions may be necessary during active emergency situations.
Visitation During Wildfire Events
What if phone lines go down - how will I know my AIC is safe?
Information Updates During Outages
When phone lines are disrupted, this webpage becomes the primary communication tool:
You can also sign up for facility-specific, immediate text/email alerts here.
Will mail delivery be affected during wildfire emergencies?
Mail services may experience delays during wildfire emergencies due to transportation disruptions and safety protocols. DOC coordinates with postal services and private carriers to maintain mail delivery whenever possible, though deliveries may be temporarily suspended during active emergency conditions.
Mail Service During Emergencies
Critical Communications
For urgent family communications during mail disruptions:
Daily Life and Conditions
- Uninterrupted distribution - Medication schedules are maintained as a critical health service
- Emergency supplies - Multiple pharmacies maintain reserve medication supplies for temporary disruptions across the state
- Alternative delivery - Medications can be delivered via emergency transport if regular supply chains are disrupted
- Medical prioritization - Medication needs are factored into all emergency decision-making
- Evacuation protocols - Medications accompany AICs during any emergency relocations
- Food reserves - DOC maintains food warehouses across the state
- Alternative suppliers - Multiple food vendors and supply routes to ensure delivery continuity
- Modified menus - Meal plans may be adjusted based on available supplies while maintaining nutritional standards
- Emergency transport - Food deliveries can be coordinated through emergency services if regular routes are blocked
- Local sourcing - Emergency procurement from local suppliers when primary vendors are unavailable
- Multiple vendor contracts - Agreements with various food suppliers across different regions
- Emergency procurement authority - Ability to purchase supplies from alternate sources during emergencies
- Regional coordination - Sharing resources between facilities when localized disruptions occur
- Non-perishable reserves - Stockpiled shelf-stable foods for extended emergency periods
- Indoor programs prioritized - Classroom education and indoor work continue when possible
- Outdoor work restrictions - Landscaping, maintenance, and outdoor assignments may be suspended during poor air quality
- Modified schedules - Programs may operate on reduced hours or alternate scheduling
- Educational classes - Academic and vocational training in climate-controlled environments
- Law Library services - Access to research materials and word-processing equipment
- Indoor work assignments - Kitchen, laundry, and facility maintenance tasks
- Counseling programs - Mental health and substance abuse programming
- Religious services - Spiritual programs adapted for emergency conditions
- Air quality monitoring - Programs restart when air quality returns to safe levels
- Gradual resumption - Outdoor activities may return in phases based on safety assessments
- Educational continuity - Academic progress is maintained through alternative delivery methods
- Air quality thresholds - Outdoor activities suspended when air quality index exceeds safe levels
- Visibility requirements - Outdoor programs cancelled when smoke reduces visibility below safety standards
- Health-based decisions - Restrictions prioritize respiratory health and safety
- Gradual resumption - Outdoor activities return gradually as air quality improves
- Individual assessments - AICs with respiratory conditions may have extended outdoor restrictions
- Gymnasium activities - Basketball, indoor walking, and fitness equipment access
- Recreation rooms - Games, television, and social activities in climate-controlled spaces
- Cell-based exercise - Individual workout routines that can be performed in housing units
- Structured programs - Organized indoor fitness classes and activities
- Extended indoor recreation time - Increased access to indoor facilities during outdoor restrictions
- Alternative programming - Creative activities and programs to maintain engagement
- Mental health support - Additional counseling and support services during confinement periods
- Communication opportunities - Increased phone and visitation time when possible
Will my AIC still receive their medications during a wildfire emergency?
Yes, medication distribution continues during wildfire emergencies as an essential service. DOC maintains strict protocols to ensure all AICs receive their prescribed medications on schedule, even during emergency conditions.
Medication Continuity During Emergencies
Will AICs still receive regular meals if supply deliveries are disrupted?
Yes, regular meals continue during wildfire emergencies through emergency food service protocols. DOC maintains food reserves and alternative supply chains to ensure AICs receive nutritionally adequate meals even during delivery disruptions.
Emergency Food Service Operations
Supply Chain Backup Plans
What happens to work programs and educational classes during wildfire events?
Work programs and educational classes may be modified or temporarily suspended based on safety conditions and emergency protocols. Indoor programs are prioritized during poor air quality, while outdoor work assignments may be restricted or cancelled.
Continued Indoor Programming
Program Resumption
Programs resume as soon as conditions allow:
Are outdoor recreation and exercise programs suspended during poor air quality?
Outdoor recreation and exercise programs are suspended or modified when air quality poses health risks. DOC monitors air quality continuously and restricts outdoor activities when conditions are unsafe, while providing alternative indoor exercise opportunities.
Outdoor Activity Restrictions
Alternative Indoor Exercise Options
Recreation Program Continuity
Maintaining physical and mental wellness during restrictions:
Facility Operations
Will staff still report to work during wildfire emergencies?
All staff will receive clear communication through our emergency notification system about reporting expectations. Non-security personnel will typically be directed to work remotely or stay home during active wildfire threats.
What happens if power goes out at the facility?
Facilities have emergency generators. However, if power is out locally, facilities may lose access to the internet or phone service providers.
Are there backup plans if water systems are affected?
Yes, we maintain comprehensive water system redundancy and emergency supplies. Some facilities have dedicate water tanks while others rely on service provided by the local municipality.
DOC has access to emergency portable port-a-potties if outages are expected to last longer than it would take to have them delivered.
How long can a facility operate independently during an emergency?
This is one of those questions I warned you about -- for the safety of all involved, it's not information we'll share in detail. However, each facility is unique, with some being able to be virtually "off grid" indefinitely. The Incident Command discussions regarding evactuations will take this into account.
Can AIC fire crews be deployed to fight local fires if there's an immediate threat?
Maybe. There are many conditions and restrictions on where/when AIC fire crews can be deployed. Public notice is not provided during an AIC fire crew deployment.
Financial & Legal Concerns
- Frequent supply shipments are typically interrupted or suspended during emergencies
- AIC work crews who process orders may not be available
- Transportation routes may be closed or unsafe for delivery vehicles
- Existing commissary balances will remain protected and available after emergency ends
- No orders will be processed during active emergency periods
- Families should be aware that sending money during emergencies may not provide immediate access to purchases
- If evacuated, AICs will be extremely limited in what they are able to take with them. Stockpiling in advance is not recommended.
- Commissary services will resume as soon as safe staffing levels return
- Supply chain restoration typically occurs within 3-7 days after emergency ends
- Backlogged orders may be processed in the order they were received, or cancelled and new order forms requested
- Extended delays of some items may occur if regional distribution centers are affected
- DOC staff will notify courts when transportation or facility access is compromised
- Video conferencing may be arranged for urgent legal matters when safe and feasible
- Non-emergency court dates will typically be rescheduled
- Emergency legal proceedings may continue via remote methods when possible
- Filing deadlines will be addressed through court coordination
- Statute of limitations concerns will be communicated to appropriate courts
- Appeal deadlines and other time-sensitive legal matters receive priority attention
- Documentation of emergency circumstances will be provided to courts as needed
- Emergency attorney consultations may be arranged via phone when safe
- Legal mail processing will continue when postal services are operational
- Privileged legal communications remain protected during emergency modifications
- Constitutional rights to legal representation are maintained during emergencies
- Emergency circumstances do not waive legal protections
- Documentation of any impacts to legal proceedings will be maintained
- Post-emergency legal schedule restoration will be coordinated with courts
- Regular phone call rates remain unchanged during emergencies
- Video visitation fees (if applicable) are not increased
- Commissary account balances are protected and maintained
- Money transfer services continue at standard rates when operational
- Deposits and fund transfers are centrally managed and not dependent on the status of a facility.
- Existing account balances remain safe and accessible and are not dependent on a specific facility's status
- Regular payment schedules for services can continue unchanged
- Emergency situations do not affect standard fee structures
- If families had a video visit scheduled that was not possible due to an emergency, a refund request can be made to the vendor. DOC is not able to initiate these requests.
- Families experiencing financial hardship due to emergencies should contact local social services
- Community resources may be available for families affected by the same emergency
- Emergency financial assistance programs may be accessible through local agencies
- DOC will not create additional financial burdens during emergency situations
Will commissary services be available during wildfire events?
In most situations, commissary services will NOT be available during wildfire emergencies. This is due to several operational challenges:
Primary Disruptions:
What This Means for AICs:
Preparation Recommendations:
Service Restoration:
What happens to scheduled court appearances or legal meetings?
The Department of Corrections will work with AICs and courts regarding all legal deadlines and scheduled appearances during wildfire emergencies.
Court Appearance Modifications:
Legal Timeline Protections:
Attorney Access:
AIC Legal Rights:
Are there additional costs for families during emergency situations?
No. AICs and their families should not incur any additional expenses due to an evacuation or shelter-in-place order.
Protected Services:
What Families Should Know:
Financial Assistance:
Other Concerns
- Scheduled inter-facility transfers will likely be postponed during active emergencies
- Transportation routes may be closed or unsafe for vehicle travel
- Receiving facilities may be dealing with their own emergency situations
- Staff resources are redirected to emergency response duties
- AICs scheduled for transfer should expect delays until emergency conditions improve
- Legal timelines related to transfers may be affected and will be addressed accordingly
- Property and personal items prepared for transfer will remain secure
- Medical transfers may receive priority based on urgent care needs
- Emergency evacuations may result in temporary placement at unplanned facilities
- These emergency transfers are for safety purposes only
- Original transfer destinations will be resumed after emergency ends
- Regular transfer schedules resume as soon as transportation is safe
- Backlogged transfers will be processed in priority order
- Medical and legal priority transfers will be handled first
- Administrative transfers will follow normal scheduling procedures
- Individuals must be released when their sentence expires, regardless of emergency circumstances
- Constitutional and legal requirements prohibit continued detention beyond sentence completion (even if the person requests to stay longer)
- Release procedures will be modified but cannot be postponed indefinitely
- DOC will work with local emergency services to identify safe release locations
- Coordination with family members, halfway houses, or approved addresses when possible
- Temporary emergency shelters may be utilized if normal release destinations are unsafe
- Transportation assistance to safe locations will be provided when needed
- Temporary housing resources will be coordinated through local emergency services
- Local emergency management agencies assist with temporary housing
- Red Cross or other disaster relief organizations may provide support
- Community organizations and churches may offer temporary shelter
- Social services agencies will be contacted for ongoing support needs
- Emergency services will provide information about available resources
- Temporary assistance may be available through disaster relief programs
- Normal parole or supervision requirements may be modified during emergencies
- Families will be notified of release status and temporary location when possible
- Emergency contact information will be shared if normal addresses are affected
- Coordination with family members for safe pickup when transportation allows
- Documentation of release circumstances will be provided for legal purposes
What if the wildfire happens at night - will AICs be woken up?
Yes, if an evacuation order is issued, AICs will absolutely be woken up regardless of the time.
Are there special procedures for AICs in solitary confinement or medical units?
Yes, each facility has specific emergency protocols designed to address the unique needs of individuals in specialized housing units.
What about AICs who are scheduled for transfer to another facility?
Regular transport schedules may be interrupted during wildfire emergencies.
Transfer Delays:
What This Means:
Emergency Transfers:
Post-Emergency Resume:
What about AICs who are scheduled for release during an emergency evacuation?
DOC is unable to continue to house people after their sentence is over. DOC will work with local resources to ensure that the (former) AIC is released to an appropriate, safe location.
Legal Obligation:
Safe Release Coordination:
Emergency Release Procedures:
Resource Coordination:
What Released AICs Should Know:
Family Notification: