Published 10:19 am Thursday, May 7, 2026 In advance of fire season, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office will test its emergency alert system at 1 p.m. on May 13. The office is embarking on a community-wide awareness campaign to help residents strengthen their readiness for fire season. More than 70,000 residents are signed up to receive emergency notifications through the county. The test helps ensure the system is working and gives residents the chance to update their information. Residents are encouraged to sign up for alerts at deschutesalerts.org, understand evacuation levels from Level 1 of Be Ready to Level 3 of Go Now and prepare your home and neighborhood by creating defensible space, securing heavy items, storing flammables safely and checking in with neighbors who may need extra help. It’s also recommended to prepare or refresh a 72-hour kit with food, water, medications, documents, pet supplies, chargers and cold-weather clothing.…