Emergency Preparedness

Electric System Resiliency

We’re making investments to reduce storm-related outages and to address evolving risks such as climate change, earthquakes and wildfire.

In the next few years, we plan to rebuild or expand four substations to increase electric capacity and improve reliability, while also:

Meter Technology Investments We’re upgrading to smart electric and water meters. Smart water meters can help protect your property by detecting water leaks. Smart electric meters will automatically notify us if your power goes out, helping us respond faster to restore power.

Emergency Preparedness Let’s work together to make Eugene a more resilient community

Learn more about how smart meters make our community more resilient: eweb.org/smart-meters

Upgrading and relicensing the Carmen-Smith Hydroelectric Project to continue providing access to local power generation Replacing older poles, crossarms, and wires Converting targeted overhead lines to underground

Wildfire Safety & Prevention Wildfire prevention is increasingly important as climate, drought and a host of other issues are converging, resulting in more frequent and damaging wildfire events.

We proactively prune trees and trim around 300 line miles of vegetation annually to help keep our equipment clear and remove fuel sources.

When there is a high risk of wildfire, we modify the settings on equipment to allow faster de-energization, reducing the risk that power lines become potential points of ignition.

Eugene Water & Electric Board 4200 Roosevelt Blvd.

Eugene, OR 97402 541-685-7000 eweb.org

As part of your personal emergency planning, it's important to have an evacuation plan and to create a line of defense around your property by clearing dead trees and brush away from structures, particularly if you live in heavily forested areas of our community.

Learn more: eweb.org/wildfire

09/21

EUGENE WATER & ELECTRIC BOARD

Safe, Reliable Power and Water

Personal Preparedness

SupportinginGoals & Actions Investing Drinking Water

Since utility and other public services could be unavailable for an extended period following a disaster, the Oregon Office of Emergency Management encourages residents to be prepared to be on their own for a minimum of two weeks.

EWEB is responsible for ensuring that our entire community has access to the clean and reliable water that is essential for public health and safety, fire protection and economic vitality.

Build an emergency kit with water, food, first aid and other supplies for two weeks

These needs are more crucial than ever, as we continue to experience challenges stemming from climate change and aging infrastructure.

Store 1 gallon of water per person, per day—that’s 14 gallons for each person Make a plan for how you will communicate with family in an emergency This past year reminded us all of the importance of preparing for emergencies. The Covid-19 pandemic alongside a devastating wildfire in our watershed tested our community’s ability to manage multiple risks. As climate change increases the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, Eugene Water & Electric Board is serious about making the necessary investments to ensure we can provide safe and reliable water and electricity. We’d like to share with you how EWEB is preparing our water and electric supply and infrastructure to be more resilient to the challenges we face – and what you can do to be ready.

Keep your cell phone charged and have back-up power Know how to turn off your utilities after an earthquake or other disaster Get prepared with your neighbors to help the whole community become more resilient

Sheldon Fire Station

Prairie Mountain School

y, nc rge ign! e em the s an In k for o lo Lane Events Center

Future Emergency Water Site

Eugene Science Center Future Emergency Water Site

More info and map of emergency water stations: eweb.org/waterreliability EWEB has invested more than $35 million upgrading and expanding our Hayden Bridge Water Filtration Plant over the past decade. We are replacing water mains, improving pump stations, planning for a second filtration plant on the Willamette River, and developing neighborhood emergency water stations.

Our priorities: Improving extreme weather preparedness and response Replacing and reinforcing aging infrastructure Developing redundant power and water sources and alternative delivery infrastructure

Howard Elementary School

Find more tips and join EWEB’s Pledge to Prepare: eweb.org/emergencyprep

In the next decade, we will construct new water storage facilities near 40th Ave. and replace the water storage systems at our College Hill and Hawkins Hill sites. The projects will be built to seismic and contemporary operating standards, providing more 45 million gallons of resilient, safe water storage.