| Press Release |
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| October 4, 2007 |
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Governor Kulongoski and Mayor Potter Highlight Oregon's Participation in TOPOFF 4
TOPOFF 4 is the largest international emergency preparedness exercise in history
Salem - Today Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski and Portland Mayor Tom Potter announced that final preparations are under way in Portland for “TOPOFF 4,” the largest and most ambitious exercise in emergency preparedness in U.S. history.
“TOPOFF is a serious and comprehensive exercise designed to make sure that the health and safety of our citizens are protected in the event of a major emergency,” said Governor Kulongoski. “For Oregon, this exercise is not only about terrorism, but about preparing for any natural disaster or emergency and making sure that every level of government is ready to respond in a real crisis.”
Beginning on Monday, October 15, and ending on Friday, October 19, the exercise will simulate terrorist attacks in Portland, Phoenix, and the U.S. territory of Guam. The exercise is designed to test the rapid response and recovery systems of federal, state and local agencies.
TOPOFF 4, which is shorthand for “Top Officials,” was started in 1998 under President Clinton as a way for states to prepare for natural and man-made emergencies.
“This is a unique opportunity for Portland to prepare for any emergency,” Mayor Potter said. “Just as important, we’ll have the opportunity to practice working effectively with all our regional partners to ensure the safety of our community.”
More than 4,000 people in the Portland region—and nearly 15,000 people internationally—will simultaneously participate in the exercise. At least 25 state agencies, five counties, three tribes, 16 local jurisdictions and 36 private sector companies will also be engaged in the exercise.
In 2002-2003, Oregon submitted the application to participate in TOPOFF as a way to test the state’s emergency response system and prepare for a major emergency. On top of the state’s participation in this exercise, participants in Oregon also include the City of Portland, Multnomah County, and Columbia County. Washington County and Clackamas County in Oregon and Clark County in Washington State will also participate in the exercise.
“My goal is to use TOPOFF to learn about our strengths and weaknesses in our emergency response system,” said Governor Kulongoski. “We must be able to test our ability to coordinate, implement, integrate and communicate our plans throughout the exercise so we can ultimately save lives.”
Mayor Potter also stressed to citizens that their state and local governments are taking extra steps to protect lives, homes and businesses. “I want our citizens to know that if a major emergency happens in our community, we’ll be ready,” the Mayor said.
Portland area residents or other Oregonians interested in additional information during the TOPOFF 4 exercise are encouraged to call 1-800-SAFE-NET.
For Oregonians interested in volunteering with the TOPOFF 4 exercise visit: http://www.t4volunteers.com/
For more information on the TOPOFF 4 exercise visit: http://governor.oregon.gov/Gov/docs/TOPOFF_FAQ.pdf
For a fact sheet an Oregon’s participation in TOPOFF 4 visit:
http://governor.oregon.gov/Gov/docs/TOPOFF_FactSheet.pdf
Contact:
Patty Wentz, 503-378-6169
Kristina Edmunson, 503-378-5040
Rem Nivens, 503-378-6469
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