With the upcoming election and looming winter weather season, now is the time to create or update your business’s emergency plan. The Portland Metro Chamber will continue to monitor how potential demonstrations may impact your business, while continuing to partner with our local public safety agencies.
Below are resources from the City of Portland and Multnomah County to help you get prepared, monitor emergencies and recover in case of an incident.
Prepare your business
- Step 1: Understand and reduce your risks
Complete a Preparedness Checklist to identify and prioritize your organization’s weak spots and take action to reduce your risk. - Step 2: Make plans
Make a plan for your employees, computers and data, facilities, and inventory. Remember to back up your plans in case of an internet or phone service outage, including having paper copies of critical information. - Step 3: Train and prepare
Your emergency plans are only useful if everyone on your team understands them. Talk with employees, suppliers, customers and anyone else who will be impacted and will play a role in response and recovery.
For tools and more information about preparing your business for an emergency, visit ReadyPDX.org/prepare.
Steps to secure your business location
- Arrange for garbage pick-up (if possible) and secure dumpsters
- Take in a-board signs from the street
- Remove or secure all patio seating, tables, potted plants, etc.
- Ensure your external video cameras are working properly and recording so that footage can be shared with law enforcement if needed.
Get the latest news about emergencies near your business
- Multnomah County PublicAlerts
Sign up your business address(es) for notice of any upcoming emergency situations. Create an account and select the “Business Preparedness Bulletin” option. Please encourage your employees to also sign up for these alerts. - Follow the Portland Police Bureau on social media:
- @PPBAlerts – special event messaging
- Twitter: @PortlandPolice
- Facebook: Portland Police
- Instagram: @PortlandPolice
- Follow City of Portland on social media:
- Twitter: @PortlandGov
- Facebook: PortlandORGov
- Instagram: @PortlandGov
Community messaging and resources
- Portland coalition urges civility, rejects political violence around upcoming election
A broad coalition of elected representatives, civic leaders, community advocates, business groups, and labor unions have come together to reject political violence and urge calm, thoughtful civic engagement, ahead of the general election on November 5. - Hotel and Small Business Election Communications Guide from Travel Portland
This media kit provides hoteliers and small business owners with key information to address potential questions or concerns from their customers during and after the upcoming election.
Response & Recovery
Emergency & Non-Emergency Help
- Call 9-1-1 if there is a serious threat to life or property that is occurring right now.
- Call the non-emergency line at 503-823-3333 if the situation is not happening right now or file a police report online.
Information Resources
PDX 311 provides answers to questions about local government programs and services within Multnomah County, including Portland. They are open daily from 7am to 8pm, except federal holidays.
Livability Resources
The Public Environment Management Office is dedicated to swiftly and effectively delivering solutions to livability-related issues in Portland’s public spaces by coordinating resources in an efficient manner.
To report issues with graffiti, garbage, abandoned vehicles, and unsanctioned campsites, visit the websites below or email PDX 311 at 311@portlandoregon.gov or call 3-1-1.
- Graffiti
- Illegal garbage dumped on your property
- Illegal garbage dumped on public property (or call 503-234-3000)
- Broken, damaged, or overflowing public trash cans
- Abandoned vehicles (including RVs)
- RV pollution / spills / pump out (or call 503-823-7180)
- Unsanctioned campsites
Recovery Resources
Grant Funding
The Local Small Business Expanded Repair/Restore Grant Program provides funding to small businesses located in the City of Portland that have sustained physical and economic damage due to break-ins and vandalism.
Contact them at RepairGrants@prosperportland.us.