Thursday, September 17, 2026 / Upper McKenzie Valley
Upper McKenzie neighbors plan for outages before the next one
A September 24 potluck will cover evacuation zones, neighborhood check-ins and radio options when cell service and the internet disappear.
Upper McKenzie residents are being invited to build emergency communication plans over a potluck dinner at 6 p.m. Thursday, September 24, at the Upper McKenzie Community Center. Bringing food is optional; bringing questions is very much allowed.
The conversation will focus on small neighborhood networks that can check on people during power outages, ice storms, floods and wildfires. Members of the McKenzie Valley Neighbors Radio Group will explain GMRS and amateur-radio links, and Lane County Emergency Manager Monica Larcom is scheduled to answer questions about evacuation zones.
The volunteer system is meant to supplement emergency services, not replace them. Immediate fire, medical and public-safety emergencies still belong with 911.
Field notes
What changed: Community organizers scheduled a practical outage-and-evacuation planning gathering for September 24.
Why it matters: Power, cellular service and internet can fail together in the valley, leaving neighbors as the first available communication link.
Who may be affected: Upper McKenzie residents, especially households that may need or provide extra help during outages and evacuations.