As fuel supplies become more constrained, they will become more susceptible to disruption from natural or political events. Sudden price spikes or supply cut-offs can lead to severe dislocations in transportation, employment and the price and distribution of goods. Portland should have contingency plans in place to address these logistical challenges and also the public unrest or panic that takes place during shortages. Plans should address sudden shortage situations that persist months or years, well beyond the shorter-term events for which emergency agencies typically prepare.
Action items:
a) Use the structures already in place in the City’s Emergency Management System for immediate disasters and add items necessary to address a “long emergency” brought about by oil supply constraints and lasting months or years. Ensure that Portland collaborates with all levels of government and non-governmental organizations.
b) Have strategies in place for rapid reduction of fuel use. An assessment of options was recently conducted in the Puget Sound area.
c) Develop fuel allocation systems. Ensure that fuel is available for police, fire, waste collection, medical response and supporting transportation responders. Also consider transportation needs of food, medicine and other essential freight, as well as agricultural fuel needs.
d) Develop a comprehensive food plan to ensure that food supplies are adequate in a short-term or mid-term emergency. Portland Office of Emergency Management should develop this working with the Oregon Food Bank, Multnomah County and Oregon Voluntary Organizations Assisting in Disasters (ORVOAD).
e) Establish a major food warehousing system capable of meeting food needs beyond the 72-hour supplies recommended for home emergency preparedness.
f) At the neighborhood level, provide training and planning help for emergency response.