A Few Minutes with the Mayor – June 2024

LIVING IN SOUTHERN OREGON means we get to enjoy all four seasons. However, our summer season can be a cause for worry, with the danger of wildfires. Summer thunderstorms, wind, warmer temperatures, and carelessness, are the main causes of fire in our area. We aim to help keep you safe, and show you how and when, to leave the Jacksonville area in the presence of wildfire. Fire Chief Wayne Painter posts regularly on the Jacksonville Fire Department Facebook page with practical ideas, and tips, on how to be pro-active for fire season. Chief cannot stress enough how important it is to keep your property clean, and free of weeds and grass. The city has an annual pickup day for yard debris, at the D Street parking lot in May. We are actively removing underbrush in our Park recreation areas on a year-round schedule. We have over thirty Firewise neighborhoods that greatly benefit education, and safety, for everyone. THE MUNICIPAL CODE NOW PROHIBITS THE USE OF ANY KIND OF FIREWORKS.

This is a good time to stop by City Hall and pick up a copy of the City of Jacksonville Emergency Evacuation Checklist & Map, if you don’t have one. This map is also on the city webpage. Keep a copy in the house and each vehicle you own.

I am sharing a copy of our Citizen Emergency FAQS that comes with the map. It answers some basic questions you may have.

  1. If I am the first to see a wildfire get started, or another emergency, whom should I contact? Call 911. Try your best to identify the location & description to give first responders clear information. If it is safe, notify others in harm’s way.
  2. In an emergency, how will I be notified? (Reverse 911, emergency phone alerts from the County, door to door alerts, sirens, radio, social media?) How will I know if I need to evacuate? This will depend on whether you are signed up for emergency alerts through the county. A link to sign up is on the home page on the County website: www.JacksonCounty.org. Worst case scenario, a law enforcement officer would notify you at your residence. Television stations will use Emergency Broadcast System as well as radio stations.
  3. In the event of a power outage with disruptions to cell phones and conventional means of communications, how will I receive updates? Police and Fire using Bull Horns; emergency personnel might proceed door to door.
  4. What steps can I take to be better prepared for a wildfire in the area? Always have a go bag, know your escape routes, prep your residence to withstand a fire, don’t rely on others, and be prepared to make decisions on your own. Contact Fire department for handouts on Firewise and residential preparation. See the Rogue Valley Emergency Website: www.RVEM.org for information on preparing for an emergency. It has a lot of useful information.
  5. What steps is the City taking to mitigate the danger of wildfire and prepare the community for a catastrophic event? These steps include chipping programs, supporting and expanding Firewise communities, annual clean-up days, grants for thinning and fuel reduction, education of the community, adding interns to the Fire Department, enforcing codes to keep properties from becoming fire hazards, prohibiting burning when necessary, and approving an ordinance prohibiting fireworks citywide. Additionally the City is participating in mutual and automatic aid agreements locally and statewide. The City regularly reviews and updates its Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) and other key documents.
  6. Where is the Emergency Operations Center? Will it be staffed 24/7? The EOC is at the Fire Station. Typically, an EOC is staffed 24/7.
  7. Who will declare a State of Emergency? What is the process of such a declaration? The Mayor will declare a State of Emergency, which will then be ratified by an emergency vote by the City Council.*
  8. In an emergency, who is in charge? What are the key roles for City Administrator, Mayor, Fire Chief, Police Chief, City Council, and Public Works? During an emergency, Fire and Police will set up an Emergency Incident Command to coordinate information and planning.*
  9. Will the police and fire stations be staffed 24/7 during an emergency? Around the clock coverage for both police and fire is provided through our inter-agency agreements with neighboring jurisdictions. The Jacksonville Fire Department most likely will not be staffed 24/7 because staff will normally be out working on the incident, however, we will attempt to have our CERT members staff the phones at the station. Once the Fire Station becomes the EOC and it is activated, it will be staffed during the incident. The Police Station will be staffed during regular hours unless all personnel are out working on the emergency. If closed, there will be a sign posted on the door informing residents to proceed to the Emergency Operations Center and providing phone numbers of local police agencies assisting the situation.
  10. Where is the designated evacuation center? Jacksonville Elementary School.
  11. What about my pets or livestock? Contact Jackson County Emergency Management for assistance at
    541-774-6790.
  12. What resources are available to help elderly or disabled members of the community? Senior Services can provide help to elderly or disabled members.
  13. What does it mean to shelter in place? Stay in your residence. Do not leave!
  14. What are the potential evacuation routes? The main routes through town are Old Stage Road, Highway 238 and South Stage Road. (See evacuation map.)
  15. How will I know when it is safe to return? You can contact your local Police or Fire departments, or City Hall, for updated information. Local Media should have current information as well.
  16. What resources will the City provide after a disaster? Red Cross will be your main contact for assistance. FEMA will also offer assistance.

*For further information, please see chapter 8.04 of the Jacksonville Municipal Code.

Enjoy life in Jacksonville and stay safe, and aware, as our wonderful normal summer activities commence!