Summer is one of my favorite times to be out in our community. Whether you’re visiting a neighborhood park, attending a community event, or enjoying a walk through Tigard, it’s a season that reminds us how connected we are. Those connections are also what make our community stronger when challenges arise.
As we look ahead to National Preparedness Month in September, I encourage everyone to take a few steps to be ready for emergencies. Preparedness doesn’t have to be complicated. Building an emergency kit, making a family communication plan, and staying informed can make a meaningful difference. When each of us is a little more prepared, our entire community becomes more resilient.
I hope many of you were able to attend this year’s Community Preparedness Fair. Events like these are a great opportunity to learn practical skills, meet local emergency response partners, and discover the many resources available to help you and your family prepare for the unexpected. If you couldn’t attend, don’t worry, there are plenty of resources online and more opportunities throughout the year to learn more and take action.
One of the most important ways you can stay informed during an emergency is by signing up for Tigard Emergency Alerts. The city recently transitioned from CodeRED to Everbridge, a modern emergency notification system used by communities across the country. Everbridge allows us to quickly share urgent information about emergencies, evacuations, severe weather, and other situations where timely information matters. If you haven’t already, I encourage you to register and verify your contact information, so you’ll receive the alerts that are most important to you. Alerts can be sent via text, phone call or email and are available in multiple languages. More information can be found at www.tigard-or.gov/EA.
Preparedness is made even stronger through relationships. On National Night Out this August 4, neighborhoods across Tigard will gather to strengthen community connections and get to know the police officers and public safety professionals who serve them every day. These events are a wonderful reminder that public safety is a shared responsibility built on trust, communication, and strong neighborhood partnerships. I hope you’ll join your neighbors, introduce yourself to your local officers, and help continue building the relationships that make Tigard such a welcoming place to live.
As temperatures continue to rise during the summer, I’m also pleased that our Tigard Public Library is better equipped than ever to serve our community. Thanks to the completion of the Library’s new HVAC system, the building can more comfortably welcome visitors throughout the hottest months of the year. Whether you’re stopping in to enjoy a good book, attend a program, or simply need a cool place to take a break from the heat, the Library is here for you.
Preparedness isn’t just about responding to emergencies, it’s also about caring for one another every day. By staying informed, getting to know our neighbors, and taking steps to prepare, we can continue building a safe, strong, and more resilient Tigard together.
I look forward to seeing many of you around town this summer and hope you’ll join us as we continue working together to make Tigard an even better place to call home.
