2020 Clackamas Wildland Fires: Difference between revisions

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A series of large wildfires starting in mid-August 2020 and burning [[wikipedia:2020_Oregon_wildfires|throughout Oregon]] coalesced into the state's largest deployment of wildfire response resources and one of the most destructive wildfire seasons in Oregon's history. Clackamas County was particularly impacted. "The two large fires that impacted Clackamas County were the Clackamas Fire Complex (11,210 acres) and the Riverside Incident (138,054 acres, 139 structures lost and 4 injuries)."<ref>Clackamas Fire District #1. (2021). ''[https://clackamasfire.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/2021-01-21-AAR-Executive-Summary-Final.pdf 2020 Fire Siege: After-Action Review]''.</ref> '''On request from Clackamas County Emergency Management, NET volunteers operated an evacuation center from September 11 to September 18.''' This deployment was the first time NETs operated independently on a large incident, covering multiple response capabilities. This article is an After-Action Report for the deployment.  
[[File:2020.09.13.Seidman.CTC (1).jpg|alt=NETs deployed to the Clackamas Town Center evacuation site, September 13 2020. Photo by Adam Seidman.|thumb|550x550px|''NETs deployed to the Clackamas Town Center evacuation site, September 13 2020. Photo by Adam Seidman.'']]
[[File:2020.09.12.EJewett.CTC (12).jpg|alt=NET crew deployed to the Clackamas Town Center evacuation site, September 12 2020. Photo by Ethan Jewett.|thumb|551x551px|''NET crew deployed to the Clackamas Town Center evacuation site, September 12 2020. Photo by Ethan Jewett.'']]
A series of large wildfires starting in mid-August 2020 and burning [[wikipedia:2020_Oregon_wildfires|throughout Oregon]] coalesced into the state's largest deployment of wildfire response resources and one of the most destructive wildfire seasons in Oregon's history. Clackamas County was particularly impacted. "The two large fires that impacted Clackamas County were the Clackamas Fire Complex (11,210 acres) and the Riverside Incident (138,054 acres, 139 structures lost and 4 injuries)."<ref>Clackamas Fire District #1. (2021). ''[https://clackamasfire.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/2021-01-21-AAR-Executive-Summary-Final.pdf 2020 Fire Siege: After-Action Review]''.</ref> <span style="background:#FFFF00; color:#FFFF00">.</span><span style="background:#FFFF00">'''On request from Clackamas County Emergency Management, NET volunteers operated an evacuation center from September 11 to September 18. This deployment was the first time NETs operated independently on a large incident, covering multiple response capabilities.'''</span><span style="background:#FFFF00; color:#FFFF00">.</span> This NET Wiki article is a reprint of an After-Action Report (AAR) for the deployment.
 
NET volunteers were later mentioned [https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/dec/22/oregon-2020-fire-season-smoke-coronaviruus in an article about the fires appearing in The Guardian].
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== Scope ==
== Scope ==
This after action report (AAR) focuses on the response of Portland’s Neighborhood Emergency Team (NET) volunteers to 2020’s wildfire siege of Clackamas County . Wildfires raged in Clackamas County from August to December, but (as Clackamas County is outside NET’s service district) NET volunteers responded to support Clackamas response efforts only as needed, from September 11 to September 19, 2020 .
[[File:P2.New York Times.jpg|alt=The Clackamas Town Center evacuation area. Photo from the New York Times.|left|thumb|350x350px|''The Clackamas Town Center evacuation area. Photo from the New York Times.'']]
This after action report (AAR) focuses on the response of Portland’s Neighborhood Emergency Team (NET) volunteers to 2020’s wildfire siege of Clackamas County. Wildfires raged in Clackamas County from August to December, but (as Clackamas County is outside NET’s service district) NET volunteers responded to support Clackamas response efforts only as needed, from September 11 to September 19, 2020.


This AAR mostly recounts NET deployment to the Clackamas Town Center evacuation site . However, NET volunteers also served briefly at other evacuation sites: the Oregon Convention Center and United Methodist in Oak Grove . '''This AAR makes observations and recommendations relevant to NET volunteers, NET Team Leaders, and NET Coordinators for future deployments and exercises.'''
This AAR mostly recounts NET deployment to the Clackamas Town Center evacuation site. However, NET volunteers also served briefly at other evacuation sites: the Oregon Convention Center and United Methodist in Oak Grove. '''This AAR makes observations and recommendations relevant to NET volunteers, NET Team Leaders, and NET Coordinators for future deployments and exercises.'''


Clackamas Fire District #1 completed a more comprehensive AAR of the Clackamas Fires, available at https://clackamasfire.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/2021-01-21-AAR-Executive-Summary-Final.pdf.
Clackamas Fire District #1 completed a more comprehensive AAR of the Clackamas Fires, available at https://clackamasfire.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/2021-01-21-AAR-Executive-Summary-Final.pdf.
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== Methodology ==
== Methodology ==
 
{{#ev:vimeo|897488229|430|right|'''''Video: Clackamas Town Center evacuation site briefing'''''|frame}}
Assessments were requested by participants immediately after the deployment, but the AAR was not completed until June of 2021 (COVID response delayed completion) . This AAR includes the following inputs:
Assessments were requested by participants immediately after the deployment, but the AAR was not completed until June of 2021 (COVID response delayed completion) . This AAR includes the following inputs:


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* Emails shared from NET responders regarding the incident (many of which are attached as Appendix B);
* Emails shared from NET responders regarding the incident (many of which are attached as Appendix B);
* Feedback on the first draft of the AAR from NET responders, Clackamas County staff, and PBEM staff.
* Feedback on the first draft of the AAR from NET responders, Clackamas County staff, and PBEM staff.
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== Background and Timeline ==
== Background and Timeline ==
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==== Clackamas Emergency Management ====
==== Clackamas Emergency Management ====
Clackamas County activated its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) on September 8, in response to the complex wildfire conflagration. The Operations Section within the EOC-ICS Structure established a Shelter Branch, responsible for coordinating the immediate shelter needs of evacuees . During the Clackamas Town Center (CTC) operation, the Shelter Branch was staffed by two Branch Managers, and supported by the Operations Section Chief. Partner agencies supported the EOC by providing two additional staff to supplement and support sheltering. The EOC deployed Clackamas County CERT teams to the CTC evacuation site as well, with the mission to assist evacuees in receiving resources and information. The Milwaukie CERT Team provided approximately 200 hours of service to the CTC evacuation site, and were active at other sites as well.
Clackamas County activated its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) on September 8, in response to the complex wildfire conflagration. The Operations Section within the EOC-ICS Structure established a Shelter Branch, responsible for coordinating the immediate shelter needs of evacuees . During the Clackamas Town Center (CTC) operation, the Shelter Branch was staffed by two Branch Managers, and supported by the Operations Section Chief. Partner agencies supported the EOC by providing two additional staff to supplement and support sheltering. The EOC deployed Clackamas County CERT teams to the CTC evacuation site as well, with the mission to assist evacuees in receiving resources and information. The Milwaukie CERT Team provided approximately 200 hours of service to the CTC evacuation site, and were active at other sites as well.
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==== Portland Neighborhood Emergency Teams (Portland NET) ====
==== Portland Neighborhood Emergency Teams (Portland NET) ====
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==== Clackamas Town Center ====
==== Clackamas Town Center ====
Clackamas Town Center (CTC) is a shopping center at 12000 SE 82nd Avenue in unincorporated Clackamas County, managed and co-owned by Brookfield Properties Retail Group. CTC includes 1,230,000 square feet of retail space and a parking lot with 6,800 spaces. Most evacuees occupied approximately 23 .5 acres in the northeast parking lot. Inside that area, evacuees and operations were concentrated inside an area of 11.3 acres (see site map).
Clackamas Town Center (CTC) is a shopping center at 12000 SE 82nd Avenue in unincorporated Clackamas County, managed and co-owned by Brookfield Properties Retail Group. CTC includes 1,230,000 square feet of retail space and a parking lot with 6,800 spaces. Most evacuees occupied approximately 23.5 acres in the northeast parking lot. Inside that area, evacuees and operations were concentrated inside an area of 11.3 acres (see site map).


Brookfield Manager Dennis Curtis cooperated closely with the Clackamas County EOC to allow fire evacuees to camp at the CTC parking lot and connect evacuees to services.
Brookfield Manager Dennis Curtis cooperated closely with the Clackamas County EOC to allow fire evacuees to camp at the CTC parking lot and connect evacuees to services.


At all hours, CTC security routinely patrolled the areas designated to evacuees and trespassed persons stealing supplies or presenting behavior that risked re-traumatizing evacuees. CTC Security Director Tim Harrold trains the security team in compassionate and trauma-informed approaches. This training proved important to the success of the deployment when security officers engaged with evacuees and with non- evacuees on site experiencing homelessness.
At all hours, CTC security routinely patrolled the areas designated to evacuees and trespassed persons stealing supplies or presenting behavior that risked re-traumatizing evacuees. CTC Security Director Tim Harrold trains the security team in compassionate and trauma-informed approaches. This training proved important to the success of the deployment when security officers engaged with evacuees and with non- evacuees on site experiencing homelessness.
[[File:CTC Evac Site.png|center|alt=Map of the Clackamas Town Center evacuation site.|border|none|thumb|900x900px|''Map of the Clackamas Town Center evacuation site. The red border indicates the site where most evacuees clustered and where services were located. However, evacuees were permitted to set up camp at any of the CTC parking lots not shown  on this map. '''Legend: 1.) NET command post; 2.) Communal dumpster area; 3.) Portable restrooms; 4.) Showers; 5.) Recharging station. The red shaded area was a designated "no cars" zone and as a donations depot.''''']]


==== Salvation Army Cascade Division ====
==== Salvation Army Cascade Division ====
Representatives of The Salvation Army’s Cascade Division did not report on their capabilities for this after-action report. However, they provided critical aid to evacuees at CTC. On September 21, their public Facebook page reported their Clackamas County response to the fires (at CTC and elsewhere) included:  
[[File:P5.2020.09.12.EJones.CTC.jpg|alt=Salvation Army Captain Michael O'Brien (center) directing resources at the evacuation center.|thumb|350x350px|''Salvation Army Captain Michael O'Brien (center) directing resources at the evacuation center. September 12, 2020 photo by Ernest Jones.'']]
Representatives of [https://cascade.salvationarmy.org/ The Salvation Army’s Cascade Division] did not report on their capabilities for this after-action report. However, they provided critical aid to evacuees at CTC. On September 21, their public Facebook page reported their Clackamas County response to the fires (at CTC and elsewhere) included:  


* Served Meals: 21,898
* Served Meals: 21,898
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* Food Boxes: 1,811
* Food Boxes: 1,811
* Emotional & Spiritual Care: 1,932
* Emotional & Spiritual Care: 1,932
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=== Background: Clackamas County Fires ===
=== Background: Clackamas County Fires ===
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Volunteers took a count of CTC evacuee campsites each day they deployed (the September 12 census was later lost). A typical camp included two to five people and pets. Campsite numbers at CTC were:
Volunteers took a count of CTC evacuee campsites each day they deployed (the September 12 census was later lost). A typical camp included two to five people and pets. Campsite numbers at CTC were:


TABLE TABLE TABLE
{| class="wikitable"
|+ Campsite Reservation Data
|-
! scope="col" width="65px"|DATE
! scope="col" width="65px"|TIME
! scope="col" width="65px"|RVs + Fifth Wheelers
! scope="col" width="65px"|Tents
! scope="col" width="65px"| Cars
! scope="col" width="65px"| Others
! scope="col" width="65px"| TOTAL
|-
| 09/11/20 || 18:30 || 89 || 26 || 8 || 0 ||style="background: #ffd2b7"| '''123'''
|-
| 09/12/20 || style="background: gainsboro"| ||style="background: gainsboro"| ||style="background: gainsboro"| ||style="background: gainsboro"| ||style="background: gainsboro"| ||style="background: gainsboro"|
|-
| 09/13/20 || 13:15 || 57 || 9 || 10 || 3 ||style="background: #ffd2b7"| '''79'''
|-
| 09/14/20 || 09:40 || 39 || 10 || 8 || 0 ||style="background: #ffd2b7"| '''57'''
|-
| 09/15/20 || 08:30 || 29 || 5 || 6 || 0 ||style="background: #ffd2b7"|'''40'''
|-
| 09/16/20 || 10:00 || 18 || 4 || 3 || 1 ||style="background: #ffd2b7"| '''26'''
|-
| 09/16/20 || 16:40 || 14 || 3 || 0 || 0 ||style="background: #ffd2b7"| '''17'''
|-
| 09/16/20 || 20:00 || 10 || 3 || 3 || 1 ||style="background: #ffd2b7"| '''17'''
|-
| 09/17/20 || 18:30 || 8 || 2 || 0 || 0 ||style="background: #ffd2b7"| '''10'''
|}
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=== Overview of the Portland NET Response ===
=== Overview of the Portland NET Response ===
[[File:P6.ClackFireMap.png|alt=09/12 Clackamas County map with red portions indicating "evacuate NOW" areas.|thumb|400x400px|''09/12 Clackamas County map with red portions indicating "evacuate NOW" areas.'']]


==== Clackamas Town Center ====
==== At Clackamas Town Center ====


* 24 operational periods (including two overnight) between 13:45 on 09/11 and 19:30 on 09/18.
* 24 operational periods (including two overnight) between 13:45 on 09/11 and 19:30 on 09/18.
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** Attend Just-In-Time training as needed;
** Attend Just-In-Time training as needed;
** Direct and distribute resources on site.
** Direct and distribute resources on site.
NETs accomplished, among other things:
* Engaging with evacuees to link them to services and information;
* Managing the shower area in partnership with [https://www.loveonecommunity.org/ LoveOne];
* Helping to develop a demobilization strategy;
* Helping to manage donations;
* Administering the phone charging station;
* Obtaining census data and other data about the temporary residents;
* Keeping out people and organizations intending to prey on evacuees;<ref>For example: faith organizations arriving to proselytize (instead of helping) and persons testing security and casing the area. There was also one incident of an individual impersonating a FEMA employee and telling evacuees they had to leave.</ref>
* Patrolling the site.
[[File:CTC.Evac Notice.jpg|alt=Card handed to evacuees at the Clackamas Town Center before the evacuation center closed.|thumb|''Card handed to evacuees at the Clackamas Town Center before the evacuation center closed.'']]
[[File:CTC.Evac Notice.jpg|alt=Card handed to evacuees at the Clackamas Town Center before the evacuation center closed.|thumb|''Card handed to evacuees at the Clackamas Town Center before the evacuation center closed.'']]


==== Oak Grove shelter and the Oregon Convention Center shelter ====
==== At Oak Grove and the Oregon Convention Center ====
The Oak Grove shelter was hosted by United Methodist, and the Red Cross was operated primarily by the Red Cross.
The Oak Grove shelter was hosted by United Methodist, and the Red Cross was operated primarily by the Red Cross.
* 13 shifts (most of them night or overnight shifts).
* 13 shifts (most of them night or overnight shifts).
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Overall, the response at the evacuation site went well and proved a valuable experience for participating NETs. That NETs succeeded in a scenario PBEM never ''specifically'' trained them for demonstrated the high value of preparing NETs to problem solve creatively inside accepted response frameworks and roles.
Overall, the response at the evacuation site went well and proved a valuable experience for participating NETs. That NETs succeeded in a scenario PBEM never ''specifically'' trained them for demonstrated the high value of preparing NETs to problem solve creatively inside accepted response frameworks and roles.
[[File:P7.2020.09.12.EJones.CTC.jpg|alt=TL Chris Glanville at the evacuation site.|none|thumb|550x550px|''TL Chris Glanville at the evacuation site. Photo by Ernest Jones.'']]
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== Observations and Recommendations ==
== Observations and Recommendations ==


=== Observation #1: Concerning use of ICS ===
=== Observation #1: Concerning use of ICS ===
[[File:P8.2020.09.12.EJones.CTC (9).jpg|alt=Jeremy Van Keuren (PBEM) collaborating with NETs at the Clackamas Town Center evacuation center.|thumb|350x350px|''Jeremy Van Keuren (PBEM) collaborating with NETs at the Clackamas Town Center evacuation center.'']]
'''''After arriving on scene, the NET Coordinator did not initiate and institute sufficient Incident Command System (ICS) practices to maintain a well organized deployment, contributing to uneven situational awareness for NET volunteers.'''''
'''''After arriving on scene, the NET Coordinator did not initiate and institute sufficient Incident Command System (ICS) practices to maintain a well organized deployment, contributing to uneven situational awareness for NET volunteers.'''''


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* NET Coordinator should task specialized NET volunteers with establishing ICS protocols and documenting in the first hour of the response, including the documentation/writing of volunteer position descriptions. This will free up the NET Coordinator to manage deployments and liaise with the EOC. This may require additional training in ICS protocols and procedures.
* NET Coordinator should task specialized NET volunteers with establishing ICS protocols and documenting in the first hour of the response, including the documentation/writing of volunteer position descriptions. This will free up the NET Coordinator to manage deployments and liaise with the EOC. This may require additional training in ICS protocols and procedures.
* For future deployments, prepare a binder/log book with ICS forms that the NET Coordinator takes to the first hour of the response and turns over to the NET Team Leader to use; and, is transferred to NET Team Leaders during shift changes. A binder like this can also serve as an iterative resource directory for all volunteers to use when connecting evacuees to help. NET Team Leaders already possess similar binders, but a binder of ICS forms assigned to an incident rather than an individual is needed.
* For future deployments, prepare a binder/log book with ICS forms that the NET Coordinator takes to the first hour of the response and turns over to the NET Team Leader to use; and, is transferred to NET Team Leaders during shift changes. A binder like this can also serve as an iterative resource directory for all volunteers to use when connecting evacuees to help. NET Team Leaders already possess similar binders, but a binder of ICS forms assigned to an incident rather than an individual is needed.
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=== Observation #2: Concerning donations planning ===
=== Observation #2: Concerning donations planning ===
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* NETs and other responders should prepare a system to distinguish evacuees from everyone else and cut down on or eliminate non-evacuees from taking donations. For example, giving every confirmed evacuee a Tyvek wristband (or other identifier that can be concealed easier) that they show in order to enter a donations site (using a system like this could be extended to indicate eligibility for other evacuee services as well, such as the showers). This would also address recommendations made for Observation 5 below.
* NETs and other responders should prepare a system to distinguish evacuees from everyone else and cut down on or eliminate non-evacuees from taking donations. For example, giving every confirmed evacuee a Tyvek wristband (or other identifier that can be concealed easier) that they show in order to enter a donations site (using a system like this could be extended to indicate eligibility for other evacuee services as well, such as the showers). This would also address recommendations made for Observation 5 below.
* Wayfinding signs worked well in a site as spread out as Clackamas Town Center. Clackamas Emergency Management provided dry-erase A-frame signs that helped evacuees and others find showers, donation sites, and other services. Responders should consider A-frame signs a basic need in any evacuation site that covers as much ground as Clackamas Town Center did.
* Wayfinding signs worked well in a site as spread out as Clackamas Town Center. Clackamas Emergency Management provided dry-erase A-frame signs that helped evacuees and others find showers, donation sites, and other services. Responders should consider A-frame signs a basic need in any evacuation site that covers as much ground as Clackamas Town Center did.
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<gallery widths="300" heights="300" mode="packed" caption="''A few shots of the &amp;quot;stockpile&amp;quot;, though no photos available from the event really convey how large it got.''">
File:CTC Stockpile (3).jpg
File:CTC Stockpile (1).jpg
File:CTC Stockpile (2).jpg
</gallery>
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=== Observation #3: Concerning Everbridge ===
=== Observation #3: Concerning Everbridge ===
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* For the most expedient response, PBEM should put SMS (both work and home) at the top of the notification method when deploying NETs.  
* For the most expedient response, PBEM should put SMS (both work and home) at the top of the notification method when deploying NETs.  
* PBEM should consider a deployment method that allows NETs sharing a shift to coordinate ahead of time.
* PBEM should consider a deployment method that allows NETs sharing a shift to coordinate ahead of time.
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=== Observation #4: Concerning drones ===
=== Observation #4: Concerning drones ===
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* Further develop drone operation capacity in NET to provide drone reconnaissance during deployments over large areas through training and team building.
* Further develop drone operation capacity in NET to provide drone reconnaissance during deployments over large areas through training and team building.
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=== Observation #5: Intake for evacuees ===
=== Observation #5: Intake for evacuees ===
[[File:P12.2020.09.12.EJones.CTC (3).jpg|alt=Chaplains from different faith organizations worked together to intake evacuees.|thumb|350x350px|''Chaplains from different faith organizations worked together to intake evacuees. September 12 2020, photo by Ernest Jones'']]
'''''The evacuation site needed an intake process for evacuees.'''''
'''''The evacuation site needed an intake process for evacuees.'''''


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* Assign volunteers to conduct intake interviews with everyone who arrives on site. Structure the interview to learn whether the person or family evacuated, what services they need, what questions they may have, and orient them to services available. Issue evacuees a Tyvek bracelet or other token to indicate their status as evacuees to organizations providing services on site.  
* Assign volunteers to conduct intake interviews with everyone who arrives on site. Structure the interview to learn whether the person or family evacuated, what services they need, what questions they may have, and orient them to services available. Issue evacuees a Tyvek bracelet or other token to indicate their status as evacuees to organizations providing services on site.  
* Make the intake responses and identifiers centrally accessible to NETs and Clackamas County (via Google Drive or similar cloud based resource).
* Make the intake responses and identifiers centrally accessible to NETs and Clackamas County (via Google Drive or similar cloud based resource).
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=== Observation #6: Spontaneous volunteers enhance the response ===
=== Observation #6: Spontaneous volunteers enhance the response ===
[[File:P13.2020.09.12.EJewett.CTC (2).jpg|alt=Showers at the evacuation center.|left|thumb|350x350px|''Your shower awaits at the Clackamas Town Center evacuation center. September 12 2020, photo by Ethan Jewett.'']]
'''''Spontaneous unaffiliated volunteers (SUVs) made highly valuable contributions to the quality of the response.'''''
'''''Spontaneous unaffiliated volunteers (SUVs) made highly valuable contributions to the quality of the response.'''''


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* Continue to provide training to NETs on SUV intake, liability, and management.
* Continue to provide training to NETs on SUV intake, liability, and management.
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=== Observation #7: FRS radios helped ===
=== Observation #7: FRS radios helped ===
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* Team members should check their radios before deploying, to be sure the radios are operational and full charged.
* Team members should check their radios before deploying, to be sure the radios are operational and full charged.
* Continue on with FRS radio training in Basic NET (unit 9).
* Continue on with FRS radio training in Basic NET (unit 9).
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=== Observation #8: NET branded PPE issues ===
=== Observation #8: NET branded PPE issues ===
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* Weigh costs and consider a simple NET deployment t-shirt for NET volunteers as part of their basic kit. Some volunteers possess such shirts already, and they presented a less jarring presence than the hi-viz NET vests.
* Weigh costs and consider a simple NET deployment t-shirt for NET volunteers as part of their basic kit. Some volunteers possess such shirts already, and they presented a less jarring presence than the hi-viz NET vests.
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[[File:CTC Seidman Map.jpg|alt=Map of the evacuation center, drawn by NET Adam Seidman.|thumb|401x401px|''Map of the evacuation center, drawn by NET Adam Seidman.'']]


=== Observation #9: Map wayfinding ===
=== Observation #9: Map wayfinding ===
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* On site maps where evacuees are camping in a large parking lot, decide on and implement a system for labeling parking lot lanes.  
* On site maps where evacuees are camping in a large parking lot, decide on and implement a system for labeling parking lot lanes.  
* Match signs to the labeling system, plant them, and use them for wayfinding throughout the incident.
* Match signs to the labeling system, plant them, and use them for wayfinding throughout the incident.
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=== Observation #10: NETs and evacuation site security ===
=== Observation #10: NETs and evacuation site security ===
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* Offer training to NET volunteers on non-confrontational site security techniques, and continue to make de-escalation training regularly available.
* Offer training to NET volunteers on non-confrontational site security techniques, and continue to make de-escalation training regularly available.
* Follow recommendations in Observation 5 to improve site security by keeping better track of legitimate evacuees.
* Follow recommendations in Observation 5 to improve site security by keeping better track of legitimate evacuees.
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=== Observation #11: NET deployment "go-kit" ===
=== Observation #11: NET deployment "go-kit" ===
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* Clipboards, pens, office supplies, etc;
* Clipboards, pens, office supplies, etc;
* Dry erase A-frame signs and other wayfinding devices.
* Dry erase A-frame signs and other wayfinding devices.
For more information on the equipment present at the command center, see [[2020 Clackamas Wildland Fires#Appendix C: Site Inventory|Appendix C]] of this report.<gallery mode="packed" widths="250" heights="250" caption="The evolution of the NET command center over the response period.">
File:P16a.2020.09.11.JVK.CTC (9).jpg|''BEFORE: the NET command center on the first day of deployment. September 11 2020, photo by Jeremy Van Keuren.''
File:P16b.2020.09.16.LisaJamieson.CTC (2).jpg|''AFTER: the NET Command Center on the last day of deployment. September 16 2020, photo by Lisa Jamieson.''
File:P16c.2020.09.12.JVK.CTC (1).jpg|''The NET Command Center at night. September 12 2020, photo by Jeremy Van Keuren.''
</gallery><br/>


== Acknowledgements ==
== Acknowledgements ==
[[File:2020.09.12.EJewett.CTC (1).jpg|alt=Glenn Devitt at the CTC command center.|thumb|351x351px|''Glenn Devitt has no time for your crap at the CTC command center. September 12 2020, photo by Ethan Jewett.'']]
Thank you to the following volunteers, emergency management staff, and others who made contributions and other edits to this AAR:
Thank you to the following volunteers, emergency management staff, and others who made contributions and other edits to this AAR:


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Also, special acknowledgement to Deb Provo and [https://multnomahares.org/ Multnomah County ARES], [[wikipedia:Val_Hoyle|Val Hoyle]], and Kenny McElroy for loaning out equipment to the command post.
Also, special acknowledgement to Deb Provo and [https://multnomahares.org/ Multnomah County ARES], [[wikipedia:Val_Hoyle|Val Hoyle]], and Kenny McElroy for loaning out equipment to the command post.


Kenny even let us borrow an air quality monitor he built himself (pictured left). Where was this guy when I was in eighth grade and all I got for the science fair was a “Participation” ribbon?
Kenny even let us borrow an air quality monitor he built himself (pictured below). Where was this guy when I was in eighth grade and all I got for the science fair was a “Participation” ribbon?
[[File:2020.09.12.EJewett.CTC (9).jpg|alt=Kenny McElroy and his homemade air quality monitor, which we used at the command post.|none|thumb|351x351px|''Kenny McElroy and his homemade air quality monitor, which we used at the command post. September 12 2020, photo by Ethan Jewett.'']]


== Appendix A: Volunteer Hours Record ==
 
{| class="wikitable sortable"
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== Appendix A: Photo Gallery ==
A few more photos of the deployment that did not go into the AAR appear in the slideshow gallery below (if it the gallery doesn't appear, hit "refresh" on your browser).<gallery mode="slideshow">
File:2020.09.18.CTC.LauraTroxel.jpg|alt=Jeremy Van Keuren (l) talking with Luke Williams.|''Jeremy Van Keuren (l) talking with Luke Williams. September 18 2020, photo by Laura Troxel.''
File:2020.09.17.Devitt.CTC.1.jpg|alt=Katy Wolf representing PBEM at the CTC NET command post.|''Katy Wolf representing PBEM at the CTC NET command post. September 17 2020, photo by Glenn Devitt.''
File:2020.09.16.LisaJamieson.CTC (1).jpg|''Katy Wolf representing PBEM at the CTC NET command post. September 16 2020, photo by Lisa Jamieson.''
File:2020.09.13.Seidman.CTC (4).jpg|''Jeremy Van Keuren in a briefing as NET volunteers arrive for a shift. September 13 2020, photo by Adam Seidman.''
File:2020.09.12.EJones.CTC (10).jpg|''Volunteers coming together for a shift briefing. September 12 2020, photo by Ernie Jones.''
File:2020.09.12.EJones.CTC (6).jpg|''The donations stockpile reorganized into a "marketplace", so to speak. September 12 2020, photo by Ernest Jones.''
File:2020.09.12.EJones.CTC (1).jpg|''Donations of bottled water arriving at the evacuation site. September 12 2020, photo by Ernest Jones.''
File:2020.09.12.EJewett.CTC (15).jpg|''Moving and organizing donations. September 12 2020, photo by Ethan Jewett.''
File:2020.09.12.EJewett.CTC (7).jpg|''NETs working with Red Cross volunteers. September 12 2020, photo by Ethan Jewett.''
File:2020.09.12.EJewett.CTC (5).jpg|''Prepping the cell phone charging station. September 12 2020, photo by Ethan Jewett.''
File:2020.09.12.EJewett.CTC (3).jpg|''Michael Schilmoeller (in the cowboy hat) giving a briefing to start one of the graveyard shifts he led. September 12 2020, photo by Ethan Jewett.''
</gallery>
 
== Appendix B: Volunteer Hours Record ==
At the Clackamas Town Center evacuation site, 123 NET volunteers filled 156 shifts (98% of all shifts posted). NETs also filled shifts at the Oak Grove shelter and the Red Cross shelter at the Oregon Convention Center.
 
'''Click "Expand" to view all shifts.'''
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
|+
|-
|-
! DATE !! NAME !! POSITION !! TIME IN !! TIME OUT !! HOURS
! DATE !! NAME !! POSITION !! TIME IN !! TIME OUT !! HOURS
Line 279: Line 388:
| 09/11/20 || Cleary, Keelan || CTC Response || 13:45 || 15:45 || 2:00
| 09/11/20 || Cleary, Keelan || CTC Response || 13:45 || 15:45 || 2:00
|-
|-
| 09/11/20 || Ginsberg, Mark || CTC Lead || 13:45 || 15:52 || 2:07
|09/11/20 || style="background: orangered; color: white"|Ginsberg, Mark || style="background: orangered; color: white"|CTC Lead || 13:45 || 15:52 || 2:07
|-
|-
| 09/11/20 || Jamieson, Lisa || CTC Response || 13:45 || 15:50 || 2:05
| 09/11/20 || Jamieson, Lisa || CTC Response || 13:45 || 15:50 || 2:05
Line 287: Line 396:
| 09/11/20 || McNamee, Dylan || CTC Response || 13:45 || 15:45 || 2:00
| 09/11/20 || McNamee, Dylan || CTC Response || 13:45 || 15:45 || 2:00
|-
|-
| 09/11/20 || McNamee, Heidi || CTC Lead || 13:45 || 15:45 || 2:00
| 09/11/20 || style="background: orangered; color: white"|McNamee, Heidi || style="background: orangered; color: white"|CTC Lead || 13:45 || 15:45 || 2:00
|-
|-
| 09/11/20 || Sprehe, Tara || CTC Response || 13:45 || 15:50 || 2:05
| 09/11/20 || Sprehe, Tara || CTC Response || 13:45 || 15:50 || 2:05
Line 307: Line 416:
| 09/11/20 || Punches, Jill || Convention Center || 22:00 || 6:30 || 8:30
| 09/11/20 || Punches, Jill || Convention Center || 22:00 || 6:30 || 8:30
|-
|-
| 09/12/20 || Moore, Tim || CTC Lead || 7:00 || 10:45 || 3:45
| 09/12/20 || style="background: orangered; color: white"|Moore, Tim || style="background: orangered; color: white"|CTC Lead || 7:00 || 10:45 || 3:45
|-
|-
| 09/12/20 || Frister, Mitchell || CTC Response || 7:15 || 10:25 || 3:10
| 09/12/20 || Frister, Mitchell || CTC Response || 7:15 || 10:25 || 3:10
Line 327: Line 436:
| 09/12/20 || Webb, Abigail || CTC Response || 9:49 || 13:02 || 3:13
| 09/12/20 || Webb, Abigail || CTC Response || 9:49 || 13:02 || 3:13
|-
|-
| 09/12/20 || Capestany, Annie || CTC Response || 9:50 || 14:17 || 4:27
| 09/12/20 || capestany, annie || CTC Response || 9:50 || 14:17 || 4:27
|-
|-
| 09/12/20 || Glanville, Chris || CTC Lead || 9:50 || 21:50 || 12:00
| 09/12/20 || style="background: orangered; color: white"|Glanville, Chris || style="background: orangered; color: white"|CTC Lead || 9:50 || 21:50 || 12:00
|-
|-
| 09/12/20 || Purdy, Kristen || CTC Response || 10:00 || 16:00 || 6:00
| 09/12/20 || Purdy, Kristen || CTC Response || 10:00 || 16:00 || 6:00
|-
|-
| 09/12/20 || Moore, Tim || CTC Lead || 13:00 || 22:10 || 9:10
| 09/12/20 || style="background: orangered; color: white"|Moore, Tim || style="background: orangered; color: white"|CTC Lead || 13:00 || 22:10 || 9:10
|-
|-
| 09/12/20 || Baker, Rhonda || CTC Response || 13:45 || 19:55 || 6:10
| 09/12/20 || Baker, Rhonda || CTC Response || 13:45 || 19:55 || 6:10
Line 355: Line 464:
| 09/12/20 || Fischer, Bob || CTC Response || 16:12 || 18:30 || 2:18
| 09/12/20 || Fischer, Bob || CTC Response || 16:12 || 18:30 || 2:18
|-
|-
| 09/12/20 || Williamson, Peter || CTC Lead || 16:15 || 20:00 || 3:45
| 09/12/20 || style="background: orangered; color: white"|Williamson, Peter || style="background: orangered; color: white"|CTC Lead || 16:15 || 20:00 || 3:45
|-
|-
| 09/12/20 || Krauss, Ed || CTC Response || 16:17 || 20:46 || 4:29
| 09/12/20 || Krauss, Ed || CTC Response || 16:17 || 20:46 || 4:29
Line 379: Line 488:
| 09/12/20 || Hovmiller, Erik || CTC Response || 20:28 || 8:05 || 11:37
| 09/12/20 || Hovmiller, Erik || CTC Response || 20:28 || 8:05 || 11:37
|-
|-
| 09/12/20 || Schilmoeller, Michael || CTC Lead || 20:33 || 8:05 || 11:32
| 09/12/20 || style="background: orangered; color: white"|Schilmoeller, Michael || style="background: orangered; color: white"|CTC Lead || 20:33 || 8:05 || 11:32
|-
|-
| 09/12/20 || Cannon, Caleb || CTC Response || 20:35 || 7:59 || 11:24
| 09/12/20 || Cannon, Caleb || CTC Response || 20:35 || 7:59 || 11:24
Line 389: Line 498:
| 09/13/20 || Hartshorn, Thyra || CTC Response || 7:28 || 11:45 || 4:17
| 09/13/20 || Hartshorn, Thyra || CTC Response || 7:28 || 11:45 || 4:17
|-
|-
| 09/13/20 || Ginsberg, Mark || CTC Lead || 7:30 || 12:30 || 5:00
| 09/13/20 || style="background: orangered; color: white"|Ginsberg, Mark || style="background: orangered; color: white"|CTC Lead || 7:30 || 12:30 || 5:00
|-
|-
| 09/13/20 || Owen, Jennifer || CTC Response || 7:30 || 11:54 || 4:24
| 09/13/20 || Owen, Jennifer || CTC Response || 7:30 || 11:54 || 4:24
Line 401: Line 510:
| 09/13/20 || McDonald, Mary || CTC Response || 8:05 || 10:50 || 2:45
| 09/13/20 || McDonald, Mary || CTC Response || 8:05 || 10:50 || 2:45
|-
|-
| 09/13/20 || Seidman, Adam || CTC Lead || 11:30 || 17:05 || 5:35
| 09/13/20 || style="background: orangered; color: white"|Seidman, Adam || style="background: orangered; color: white"|CTC Lead || 11:30 || 17:05 || 5:35
|-
|-
| 09/13/20 || Borders, Brett || CTC Response || 11:38 || 17:00 || 5:22
| 09/13/20 || Borders, Brett || CTC Response || 11:38 || 17:00 || 5:22
Line 423: Line 532:
| 09/13/20 || Drouin, David || CTC Response || 16:41 || 19:15 || 2:34
| 09/13/20 || Drouin, David || CTC Response || 16:41 || 19:15 || 2:34
|-
|-
| 09/13/20 || Glanville, Chris || CTC Lead || 16:45 || 19:30 || 2:45
| 09/13/20 || style="background: orangered; color: white"|Glanville, Chris || style="background: orangered; color: white"|CTC Lead || 16:45 || 19:30 || 2:45
|-
|-
| 09/13/20 || Harrington, Sarah || CTC Response || 16:45 || 21:00 || 4:15
| 09/13/20 || Harrington, Sarah || CTC Response || 16:45 || 21:00 || 4:15
Line 437: Line 546:
| 09/13/20 || Rok, Pete || CTC Response || 20:35 || 7:45 || 11:10
| 09/13/20 || Rok, Pete || CTC Response || 20:35 || 7:45 || 11:10
|-
|-
| 09/13/20 || Bissonnette, Jeff || CTC Lead || 20:38 || 8:00 || 11:22
| 09/13/20 || style="background: orangered; color: white"|Bissonnette, Jeff || style="background: orangered; color: white"|CTC Lead || 20:38 || 8:00 || 11:22
|-
|-
| 09/13/20 || Davis, Linn || CTC Response || 20:57 || 8:38 || 11:41
| 09/13/20 || Davis, Linn || CTC Response || 20:57 || 8:38 || 11:41
Line 445: Line 554:
| 09/14/20 || Hancock, Malcolm || CTC Response || 7:20 || 12:11 || 4:51
| 09/14/20 || Hancock, Malcolm || CTC Response || 7:20 || 12:11 || 4:51
|-
|-
| 09/14/20 || Williamson, Peter || CTC Lead || 7:20 || 12:00 || 4:40
| 09/14/20 || style="background: orangered; color: white"|Williamson, Peter || style="background: orangered; color: white"|CTC Lead || 7:20 || 12:00 || 4:40
|-
|-
| 09/14/20 || O'Connor, Leslie || CTC Response || 7:36 || 10:20 || 2:44
| 09/14/20 || O'Connor, Leslie || CTC Response || 7:36 || 10:20 || 2:44
Line 455: Line 564:
| 09/14/20 || Oerding, Scott || CTC Response || 8:00 || 11:50 || 3:50
| 09/14/20 || Oerding, Scott || CTC Response || 8:00 || 11:50 || 3:50
|-
|-
| 09/14/20 || Jewett, Ethan || CTC Lead || 11:39 || 17:11 || 5:32
| 09/14/20 || style="background: orangered; color: white"|Jewett, Ethan || style="background: orangered; color: white"|CTC Lead || 11:39 || 17:11 || 5:32
|-
|-
| 09/14/20 || McCabe, Karlene || CTC Response || 11:42 || 17:00 || 5:18
| 09/14/20 || McCabe, Karlene || CTC Response || 11:42 || 17:00 || 5:18
Line 473: Line 582:
| 09/14/20 || Eaves, Rowan || CTC Response || 16:50 || 19:24 || 2:34
| 09/14/20 || Eaves, Rowan || CTC Response || 16:50 || 19:24 || 2:34
|-
|-
| 09/14/20 || Glanville, Chris || CTC Lead || 16:45 || 19:45 || 3:00
| 09/14/20 || style="background: orangered; color: white"|Glanville, Chris || style="background: orangered; color: white"|CTC Lead || 16:45 || 19:45 || 3:00
|-
|-
| 09/14/20 || Kockler, Angela || CTC Response || 17:00 || 19:25 || 2:25
| 09/14/20 || Kockler, Angela || CTC Response || 17:00 || 19:25 || 2:25
Line 481: Line 590:
| 09/14/20 || Martin, Peter || Convention Center || 14:00 || 22:30 || 8:30
| 09/14/20 || Martin, Peter || Convention Center || 14:00 || 22:30 || 8:30
|-
|-
| 09/15/20 || Williamson, Peter || CTC Lead || 7:28 || 12:15 || 4:47
| 09/15/20 || style="background: orangered; color: white"|Williamson, Peter || style="background: orangered; color: white"|CTC Lead || 7:28 || 12:15 || 4:47
|-
|-
| 09/15/20 || Munger, Ute || CTC Response || 7:40 || 12:06 || 4:26
| 09/15/20 || Munger, Ute || CTC Response || 7:40 || 12:06 || 4:26
Line 495: Line 604:
| 09/15/20 || Isetani, Jiro || CTC Response || 7:49 || 12:10 || 4:21
| 09/15/20 || Isetani, Jiro || CTC Response || 7:49 || 12:10 || 4:21
|-
|-
| 09/15/20 || Chauncey, Helen || CTC Lead || 11:30 || 17:10 || 5:40
| 09/15/20 || style="background: orangered; color: white"|Chauncey, Helen || style="background: orangered; color: white"|CTC Lead || 11:30 || 17:10 || 5:40
|-
|-
| 09/15/20 || Martin, Peter || CTC Response || 11:48 || 17:00 || 5:12
| 09/15/20 || Martin, Peter || CTC Response || 11:48 || 17:00 || 5:12
Line 509: Line 618:
| 09/15/20 || Jordan, Paul || CTC Response || 16:30 || 21:45 || 5:15
| 09/15/20 || Jordan, Paul || CTC Response || 16:30 || 21:45 || 5:15
|-
|-
| 09/15/20 || McCabe, Karlene || CTC Lead || 16:30 || 21:30 || 5:00
| 09/15/20 || style="background: orangered; color: white"|McCabe, Karlene || style="background: orangered; color: white"|CTC Lead || 16:30 || 21:30 || 5:00
|-
|-
| 09/15/20 || Presley, Dan || CTC Response || 16:30 || 21:45 || 5:15
| 09/15/20 || Presley, Dan || CTC Response || 16:30 || 21:45 || 5:15
Line 523: Line 632:
| 09/16/20 || Boeker, Tom || CTC Response || 7:39 || 12:00 || 4:21
| 09/16/20 || Boeker, Tom || CTC Response || 7:39 || 12:00 || 4:21
|-
|-
| 09/16/20 || Deleuran, Laust || CTC Lead || 7:39 || 12:30 || 4:51
| 09/16/20 || style="background: orangered; color: white"|Deleuran, Laust || style="background: orangered; color: white"|CTC Lead || 7:39 || 12:30 || 4:51
|-
|-
| 09/16/20 || Weil, Katy || CTC Response || 7:45 || 11:05 || 3:20
| 09/16/20 || Weil, Katy || CTC Response || 7:45 || 11:05 || 3:20
Line 531: Line 640:
| 09/16/20 || Jamieson, Lisa || CTC Response || 11:30 || 17:00 || 5:30
| 09/16/20 || Jamieson, Lisa || CTC Response || 11:30 || 17:00 || 5:30
|-
|-
| 09/16/20 || Grady, Mike || CTC Lead || 11:
| 09/16/20 || style="background: orangered; color: white"|Grady, Mike || style="background: orangered; color: white"|CTC Lead || 11:36 || 17:00 || 5:24
|-
| 09/16/20 || Klune, Mary || CTC Response || 11:45 || 16:45 || 5:00
|-
| 09/16/20 || Lackowski, Doug || CTC Response || 11:45 || 17:00 || 5:15
|-
| 09/16/20 || Traver, Thomas || CTC Response || 11:45 || 17:00 || 5:15
|-
| 09/16/20 || Bel, Hella || CTC Response || 12:03 || 15:43 || 3:40
|-
| 09/16/20 || style="background: orangered; color: white"|Lawrence, Laura || style="background: orangered; color: white"|CTC Lead || 16:45 || 19:50 || 3:05
|-
| 09/16/20 || Mattingly, Nora || CTC Response || 16:45 || 19:45 || 3:00
|-
| 09/16/20 || Qualy, Greg || CTC Response || 16:45 || 19:45 || 3:00
|-
| 09/16/20 || Reinstein, Eden || CTC Response || 16:45 || 19:45 || 3:00
|-
| 09/17/20 || Oerding, Scott || CTC Response || 5:40 || 11:02 || 5:22
|-
| 09/17/20 || style="background: orangered; color: white"|Williamson, Peter || style="background: orangered; color: white"|CTC Lead || 5:40 || 11:19 || 5:39
|-
| 09/17/20 || Ginsberg, Mark || CTC Response || 6:00 || 10:30 || 4:30
|-
| 09/17/20 || Bate, Morgan || CTC Response || 6:10 || 11:01 || 4:51
|-
| 09/17/20 || Clelan, Terry || CTC Response || 10:45 || 16:18 || 5:33
|-
| 09/17/20 || Muir, Scott || CTC Response || 10:45 || 17:30 || 6:45
|-
| 09/17/20 || Troxel, Laura || CTC Response || 10:45 || 16:15 || 5:30
|-
| 09/17/20 || style="background: orangered; color: white"|Williams, Luke || style="background: orangered; color: white"|CTC Lead || 10:45 || 17:30 || 6:45
|-
| 09/17/20 || Schwendemann, Connie || CTC Response || 15:30 || 19:30 || 4:00
|-
| 09/17/20 || Mattingly, Nora || CTC Response || 15:45 || 19:30 || 3:45
|-
| 09/17/20 || Reed, John || CTC Response || 15:45 || 18:30 || 2:45
|-
| 09/17/20 || O'Keefe, Jack || Convention Center || 22:00 || 6:30 || 8:30
|-
| 09/18/20 || Moore, Tim || Oak Grove || 18:00 || 0:00 || 6:00
|-
| 09/19/20 || Fryer, Patricia || Oak Grove || 0:00 || 4:00 || 4:00
|-
| 09/19/20 || Conte, Carrie || Oak Grove || 4:00 || 8:00 || 4:00
|-
| 09/19/20 || Wanke, Terri || Oak Grove || 13:00 || 18:00 || 5:00
|-
| 09/19/20 || Mattingly, Nora || Oak Grove || 13:00 || 18:00 || 5:00
|-
| 09/19/20 || Rusby, Christian || Oak Grove || 18:00 || 0:00 || 6:00
|-
| 09/19/20 || Cater, Sue || Oak Grove || 18:00 || 0:00 || 6:00
|}
<br/>
<br/>
 
== Appendix C: Abridged Volunteer Feedback ==
 
=== Mark Ginsberg ===
'''''2020.09.14 report from Mark Ginsberg (via Amanda Westervelt):'''''
 
Mark Ginsberg talked about deploying to Clackamas Town Center to work the evacuation center there. Talked about what to bring and how he gears up but then only needed a pen, paper, forms, and a notepad. Spoke about using team to run perimeter, managing a disruptive visitor who was high, dealing with miscommunications, helping with showers and distribution of masks, SUVs, etc. A very interesting discussion with some insightful suggestions. Noting the challenge of being deployed while wearing a mask and also needing to drink water, the importance of maintaining decorum appropriate and sensitive to the situation those being helped are in, and the fact that sometimes you’re in charge of people with more experience than you have (in his case, Marcel Rodriguez), but it works and you just do your best!
 
=== Bob Fischer ===
'''''2020.09.16 report from Bob Fischer:'''''
 
I think it is super important that PBEM and Portland recognize this was the kind of deployment that NET was never trained for. But, we took our other emergency response plans, training and experience and improvised on the fly. And it ended up with a damned good job. NET is a bunch that knows something about responding to emergencies and how to improvise. Please get others to recognize this.
 
To work an operation like this as a lead role, you need careful census and ID of who is in the area and mapping (numbers, ages, vulnerabilities). We did this one on the fly … but what Michael [Schilmoeller] sent in was moving toward the gold standard of how to address this kind of situation If NET is ever expected to play this role again, this kind of census data is invaluable.
 
=== Lisa Jamieson ===
'''''2020.09.17 report from Lisa Jamieson:'''''
 
I think documentation/communication over time was the weak point.
 
I suggest a log book, to be kept by the team leader and passed along to subsequent team leads. All NET activity: patrols, contacts with anyone (in this case evacuees, other service providers (Salvation army, Red Cross, Mental health, mall Security) should be documented with contact phone numbers, and it should be clear who wrote each log entry, so they could be contacted for clarification later if needed. It would probably work best to create a form, so that all the info is included. (Time/date, event or contact, any contact info, follow up needed/completed)
 
=== Sarah Harrington ===
'''''2020.09.17 report from Sarah Harrington:'''''
 
The only feedback that we’d have is (and we passed this on to our team leader), it would have been nice to have some kind of portable lantern where we were stationed. We made do setting our helmets with headlamps on the table.
 
Also, we had one disabled person come to the showers. It would have been good to ask, “Do you have any disabilities that might require assistance or extra time?” For those that couldn’t navigate the stairs, it would have been nice to have another option to point them towards. In our case, it was someone missing an arm, and they had a hard time working the faucet. It turned out it was having a problem, so doubled their frustration. After that, we added the question as people left, “How was everything?”
 
=== Tom Boeker ===
'''''2020.09.17 report from Tom Boeker:'''''
 
I feel that the greatest issue we faced was documenting and managing the flow of information. I would interested in participating in a group to work on this issue.
 
Also, our NET basic training was a great stage 1 learning - learned a lot. But I think a important message to NETs is that, stage 2 learning, the best way to learn deployment is to do a deployment.
 
Finally, this evacuation might be the best available analogy to what we might expect in a earthquake scenario.
 
=== Heidi McNamee ===
'''''2020.09.17 report from Heidi McNamee'''''
 
We were there for the very first shift, so it was all about site size up and mapping. Creating the physical map and knowing where things were on-site was the obvious but perhaps less important aspect of size-up.
 
The deeper size-up was understanding who was on the site and what knowledge, needs and expectations they held. In addition to several hundred evacuees, shoppers and mall employees, there were many different people providing different services: Salvation Army, Clackamas CERT, Northwest Baptist Disaster Relief, Rotary, Clackamas County Go Teams, a group of folks wanting to deliver support items to firefighters and a constant stream of lovely random people wanting to drive up and drop off supplies.
 
Dylan and I marked the alpha/numeric street grid for the map. We also facilitated connecting people: A Go Team volunteer with deep history of the site and no one to offload that important info to, the mall General Manager who needed to make his needs & resources known, people without a car who happened to be visiting town from Lincoln City who needed to get to the Convention Center for shelter and on and on....
 
Each one was a mutual size-up: what are your needs, your resources, your skills, your effectiveness. It was on-the-fly relationship building because people need a certain level of shared agreement and trust before they can work collaboratively under stress. Knowing chain of command or “who you know that I know” for the volunteers was one way to kickstart relationship with each other.
 
In talking with the evacuees, keeping focused on their needs (expressed verbally or with body language) and being as centered as possible was key. You could make a good guess at which volunteers had been on this sort of deployment before and who, like me, had not! It was my first deployment for an evacuation and that has a level of excitement; I had a sense of “I’m doing something useful”, it was nice to see NET buddies and I held an underlying level of anxiety with the uncertainness of the experience. All that “amped up” feeling was not useful when talking to people who were somewhere on the “fear-worry-relief-what in the world is next” spectrum and I worked to mitigate it.
 
Although there were people accepting donations, when NET arrived there was no real ownership or plan for what to do with all the stuff. Mall management was concerned that it would get out of hand and NET worked with the other on-site groups to form a plan. This is what Jeremy calls the “second disaster” because managing all the ‘stuff’ takes a lot of people-power.
 
=== Helen Chauncey ===
'''''2020.09.18 report from Helen Chauncey'''''
 
'''Overall, an excellent experience.''' Any of the following observations might strengthen our capacity – it’s worth noting, though, that the deployment was highly realistic; any of these shortcomings could well be exactly what we will be working with in a major, regional disaster. Learning to cope and pinch hit is also a valuable skill set.
 
'''<u>Possible Improvements</u>'''
 
'''Shared contact information for shift team members'''
 
# On site, we used phones for this; putting together the group text was done on the fly, which increases the potential for errors.
# If the system – whatever that is – could send out something like a contact list with emails, we might have better coordinated in advance (radios, for example) and after-action would have been easier.
 
'''Information transfer from shift to shift'''
 
This is distinct from a general briefing (as in “Here are the supplies. This is what our Salvation Army colleagues are doing.” Etc.)
 
An example: Tuesday afternoon, we had a canine medical issue. We phoned PAWS, which had a flyer on the table. The person we talked with wanted to help but didn’t know how. We phoned Oregon Humane, with the same result. Later it developed that both PAWS and Oregon Humane had had people on site
 
on Monday. (So they themselves didn’t have water tight information transfer.) Apparently by chance, Clackamas Dog Services then showed up – with a specific list of dogs on site needing services. They perhaps got this information from the Tuesday morning crew. We didn’t know how they got that information.
 
'''1)  White board or cumulative, 3-ring binder:'''
 
One solution – a large white board or a large three-ring binder, as distinct from the various pads of paper, could have helped here. (Note – there is really no ICS form for this. And maintaining it would require some discipline.)
 
'''2)  Longer overlap between shifts for team-to-team debrief:'''
 
More time for overlap with each shift would help, with a particular emphasis on “open cases” – dogs needing a vet; people needing housing vouchers; etc.
 
'''3)  Written information sheet – contacts and protocols'''
 
Also helpful – a written sheet with information on basic services (How does the phone charging station work? Who opens and closes the showers? Who handles housing vouchers? Etc.)
 
The information sheet, to the extent possible, could include relevant contact information (Site security. County EOC. Addresses and phone numbers for sites to which evacuees were being sent from CTC, such as Gladstone. Other.)
 
'''Intra-team communications'''
 
Team members should ALL bring FRS radios. (Basically, there weren’t any for the Tuesday afternoon shift.) We had several instances where we needed to communicate with team members at considerable distance from the command center. Because cell phones worked, we could handle this but radios would have been less fiddly and good practice for when cell service is down.
 
'''Chief Pooh-Ba'''
 
This is a big one. Jeremy did a spectacular job of filling this role. If he had not been on site, our ability to provide meaningful services to those most in need would have dissolved.
 
So, how to address this, assuming JVK can’t be everywhere, always? JVK did give us the phone number for Allegra (I gather this is her/their first name) at Clackamas EOC and emailed our TL (me) a list of other contact numbers.
 
What we didn’t have, though, was a briefing as to what we could call whom about. (As an example, when JVK was not at the command center, would it have been appropriate for us to call Allegra if someone needed a housing voucher? JVK was sending information to her, I gather, by email. Could we text her? Send email from our phones? Other?) This same set of questions held for the additional contact phone numbers.
 
A briefing as to how, and to what extent, we could step into this role, in JVK’s absence, would have been very helpful.
 
'''<u>Other Observations</u>'''
 
'''Cell phones and the Internet'''
 
Both were working. This allowed us to look up information on the fly, in the absence of a more detailed briefing. (What’s the number for Oregon Humane? What’s the address for the Gladstone RV park? What’s the name/address of the church down the street, taking evacuees in cars. Etc.) In the absence of the Internet, our capacity to provide these services would have been severely weakened.
 
'''Resources guide'''
 
Would it be possible to develop a resources guide, drawing on this experience, which the NET teams have hard-copy in case they deploy under conditions where there is no Internet. Definitely, there could be no guarantee that the same partner organizations (for food, housing, animal care, medical assistance, etc.) would necessarily be available. But a contact list, periodically updated, would be a valuable start.
 
'''Spontaneous volunteers who knew more than we did'''
 
The glowing example here is Wynter (her first name.) She came out of nowhere, took to her service role with a passion, and basically kept us focused on people in need of services – filling a role we could not have filled easily – possible not at all – ourselves. Wynter was basically our “written” inventory of actual people – names, family circumstances, particular needs – as we moved through our shift.
 
'''Gear'''
 
We were basically well-prepared, apart from the absence of radios. The one item I am going to add is a NET t-shirt. I did not have anything “neutral” to wear – that did not have a tag-line from some other volunteer activity. The safety vests covered this up, but there were instances where approaching people without the vests might have been the way to go. I had previously considered the NET tees a kind of swag (a perfectly OK thing, but not essential.) I’m now thinking of them as a deployment item.
 
Hard hats were unnecessary. Apart from that, the prep list was spot on.
 
'''The NET call debrief – increasing participation'''
 
A few people tended to hog the show on this, possibly including myself. This may have quieted others, which is too bad. Would it be possible to send out an email to those who deployed, specifically encouraging them to send in after-action feed back? It would be great to get more voices in this discussion.
 
For future debrief calls, the approach taken recently – a list of names put in the chat; then people called on in order – might help here. This removes back-and-forth, but addresses the verbal dominance issue and encourages quieter voices to speak.
 
'''<u>2020.10.12 Further comments by Helen after reviewing the draft AAR</u>'''
 
'''Comment One – Authority and Responsibility'''
 
The emphasis on getting ICS correct in the AAR is valuable but doesn’t capture a concern several of the TLs expressed on the Wednesday NET call, including myself. Essentially, we need a clear articulation of authority and responsibility – both of these. These two over-arch the specific ICS designations (planning, ops, etc.)
 
Both at CTC and on the call, you mentioned that we (NET) were “in charge” of the evacuation site. What does “in charge” mean? What authority comes with this?
 
There are many examples. We were not in charge of assigning hotel vouchers, for example. I assume we could not have ordered the Salvation Army people around. And so on. What exactly were we in charge of?
 
Importantly – this is the big one for me – what responsibilities come with that authority?
 
The AAR mentions the need to conduct a more orderly check in of the evacuees. That’s a good example. But what else?
 
Here are two “opposing” possibilities:
 
Mark and Marcel’s group assumed they had the responsibility to check on the SUVs’ credentials – whether or not those SUVs checked in at the NET tent. (One example was an evacuee offering basic first aid, although her actual skill set was as a phlebotomist. My understanding is they felt they had to rein her in.)
 
During my shift a water truck showed up. It did come by the NET tent. I told the driver we were happy to see him. Plausibly, though, the water truck guy could have been peddling contaminated water.
 
Should I have confirmed that he was actually contracted by Clackamas EOC? If so, how? If the driver didn’t have proper paper work, should I have ordered him off the site? And if so, how? What was my responsibility here?
 
Apart from a more orderly check in system for the evacuees, what were our responsibilities to the people and animals sheltered at the site?
 
We may encounter this same question at neighborhood deployment areas after a natural disaster. Is our authority at those sites – before more professional first responders show up – spelled out anywhere? And with that authority, what are our responsibilities? What are we obligated to do, if we accept the authority on offer?
 
'''Comment Two – Drones'''
 
This is in your AAR draft. I don’t remember it coming up in the NET call discussion, but it might have.
 
I have serious reservations here, unless responsibility and cultural sensitivity are spelled out far more clearly than they currently are in the AAR and any future NET guidelines.
 
If you are lost and you see a SAR drone in the sky, you can reasonably assume the drone is looking for you and you can rejoice.
 
Otherwise, especially if you are a frazzled, anxious evacuee – particularly in America’s current, highly polarized political climate - you can reasonably assume the drone is Big Brother. It’s up there, noisy and intrusive, reminding you that you don’t have an iota of privacy.
 
At the very least, drones spy. For some immigrant members of our community, drones will have been the source of much worse than spy eyes. They are stealth military tools, with no human mercy, which have been widely used in conflict zones.
 
I understand the value of drones, responsibly used. But if I am unhappily huddled in an evacuation site, anxious and angry at my fate, and some clown starts peering down at me from a bloodless drone, I’m going to pray to whatever god I can find that someone shoots that thing down, legal penalties notwithstanding.
 
Also - I know you know this, but as a reminder - for anything other than a hobby, no matter what the need, your operators must be FAA licensed or operating under what’s commonly called a sheriff’s waiver. There are no exceptions to this, as far as I know. And if you go with the waiver option, you – not the operators – are responsible for what the operators do. This business of the two-faced nature of drone technology is serious.
 
=== Adam Seidman ===
'''''2020.10.06 report from Adam Seidman'''''
 
* It would have been helpful to have a master contact list that had key phone numbers of people like you, the folks at CTC and CC, and maybe most importantly the other Team Leads.
* For future deployments I’d recommend overlapping the Team Lead shifts so there is enough time for a proper hand-off. I’d think 15-30 minute ‘hand-off’ window would make sense.
* I think you address this in your first observation/recommendation, but it was unclear sometimes how to interact with ECC during the deployment. Mike was there for most of my shift and he was great, but clarification on that interaction would be helpful in the future.
* A master binder is a great idea and would have been helpful, especially for continuity and also to better understand the tasks/issues/etc. Again, I’d recommend that in the binder would be a key contact list.
* The drone is an interesting idea, could have been good for this deployment. Obviously has to be weighed against potential privacy issues people would have maybe had in this situation.
* I actually think our orange vests were helpful as it made it clear to folks that we were there to help and had some authority. I don’t think any of us wore helmets in our shift.
* Although most of our team had radios, I sometimes didn’t hear when people were trying to contact me. An ARO from our neighborhood team recommended that in the future I use the earpiece with the radio, which I think is good advice at least for Team Leads/ICs.
* Lastly, I found that all of the NET practice and training actually had us fairly prepared for this incident, at least in my limited view of the situation. We had people paired up in the buddy system, we used our radios for comms as needed, we had a scribe and filled out forms, and administered first aid a few times as well in my shift. So kudos to the things we’re doing in the neighborhood practices, scenario village, basic NET training, etc.
 
=== Erik Hovmiller ===
'''''2020.10.07 report from Erik Hovmiller'''''
 
I can’t remember much about my night there but I distinctly remember being very thankful for my NET vest and its hi-viz character. I affirm the risk of it appearing too authoritarian but it was very reassuring to me in two critical ways which I implore you to consider:
 
# There were motor vehicles coming and going all night and I simply needed to be seen and not worry so much about dodging vehicles that--due to the late hour on a Saturday night--I could not trust. Safety first, bro!
# Also a safety consideration of another sort, the vests exuded some weak authority--just enough authority, I think--to make me appear official but not threatening to the people passing through the site that even I, big strong man, felt some intimidation from. Being on a patrol of this massive site, virtually alone except for my one partner, was a bit scary. We were all brave though and did what was asked and in support of your goals. However, that NET vest afforded me some reassurance and confidence that folks who may consider causing trouble would possibly be a bit more respectful--and hopefully decide to leave me alone.
# And that leads to a bonus point, Jeremy. Patrols should not have been done with only two NETs during the evening around the entire CTC parking lot. 2 NETs was safe for Areas A and B (if I remember those correctly) but not to traverse to the other two approved sites which were virtually unused. That said, those long walks around the whole parking lot were very useful for keeping us awake. Always two sides...but safety first!
<br/>
<br/>
 
== Appendix D: Site Inventory ==
{| class="wikitable"
|+ Event Resources
|-
! RESOURCE KIND !! QUANTITY !! DETAILS
|-
| Mobile showers || 1 || Three-stall
|-
| style="background-color: gainsboro;"| Tables || style="background-color: gainsboro;"| 14 || style="background-color: gainsboro;"|
|-
| Chairs || 28 ||
|-
| style="background-color: gainsboro;"|Canopies ||style="background-color: gainsboro;"| 7 ||style="background-color: gainsboro;"| 10’x10’
|-
| Portable johns || 8 ||
|-
| style="background-color: gainsboro;"| Handwashing stations || style="background-color: gainsboro;"| 5 || style="background-color: gainsboro;"|
|-
| Security guards || 2 || Overnight shifts
|-
| style="background-color: gainsboro;"| Charging station ||style="background-color: gainsboro;"| 1 || style="background-color: gainsboro;"|
|-
| Dumpsters || 4 || 20 yard capacity
|-
| style="background-color: gainsboro;"| Signage || style="background-color: gainsboro;"| 8 || style="background-color: gainsboro;"| Dry-erase A-boards
|-
| Fire extinguisher || 1 ||
|-
| style="background-color: gainsboro;"| Space heater & propane tank || style="background-color: gainsboro;"| 2 || style="background-color: gainsboro;"|
|-
| Tri-fuel generator || 1 || Honda EU2200i (converted)
|-
| style="background-color: gainsboro;"| Light string for canopies || style="background-color: gainsboro;"| 1 || style="background-color: gainsboro;"| 50’
|}
<br/>
<br/>
 
==References, Notes, and Supplementary Reading==
<references />'''Supplementary Reading'''


== References and Notes ==
* Oregonian/OregonLive, J. G. |., & Oregonian/OregonLive, S. S. |. (2023, February 22). Oregon wildfires evacuees spill from Clackamas County, seeking refuge in RVs, shopping malls. ''Oregonlive''. https://www.oregonlive.com/news/2020/09/wildfires-send-evacuees-spilling-out-of-clackamas-county-seeking-refuge-in-rvs-shopping-malls-fraternal-lodge.html
* Oregonian/OregonLive, J. G. |. (2023, February 22). Wildfires in Clackamas County threaten more than 600 homes and other structures; thousands of people ordered. ''Oregonlive''. https://www.oregonlive.com/news/2020/09/wildfires-in-clackamas-county-threaten-more-than-600-structures-thousands-of-people-ordered-to-evacuate.html
* Reuters. (2022, September 19). How a 'Hillbilly Brigade' saved an Oregon town from raging wildfires. ''Reuters''. https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSKBN2682OE/
* Riverside fire. (2021, July 29). ''ArcGIS StoryMaps''. https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/7ba1715929bb4cc591b3bbade3e30895
* Stern, J. E. (2023, November 1). How civilians saved their Oregon town from two megafires. ''The Atlantic''. https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2021/10/oregon-town-wildfire-beachie-creek-riverside-megafires/619817/
* Van Der Voo, L. (2020, December 24). Heat, wind and a cruel twist of nature: inside Oregon’s nightmarish wildfire season. ''The Guardian''. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/dec/22/oregon-2020-fire-season-smoke-coronaviruus
* Wikipedia contributors. (2023, December 22). ''2020 Oregon wildfires''. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_Oregon_wildfires
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