Translations & ASL Videos
1,200+ Translated Messages
We have compiled over 1,200 urgent written messages about a variety of hazards. The messages are in 26-32 languages. You can use these messages to create social media or website content, emergency alerts, educational fliers, etc.
We will keep adding translations as funding allows, so please check back frequently. If you have feedback on these translations, please complete this online form so we can track errors and gaps in messaging.
American Sign Language
We also offer over American Sign Language videos on the following topics:
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Illustrations, Flyers & Videos
Copyright-Free Illustrations
Fliers
- Extreme Heat Fliers
- Get Ready for Winter Weather Flier
- Stay Safe Outside in Winter Weather Flier
- Power Outage Flier
Videos
Audio Files
- WAV files key extreme heat messages (see English list of written messages). Available in Arabic, Chinese Cantonese, Chinese Mandarin, Chuukese, Farsi, Hindi, Japanese, Khmer, Korean, Lao, Nepali, Romanian, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Tagalog, Telugu, Thai, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese.
- MP3 and MP4 files of key winter weather messages (see English list of written messages). Available in English, Arabic (with English), Mandarin Chinese (with English), Russian (with English), Somali (with English), Spanish (with English, with images), Vietnamese (with English)
About These Resources
Message Content
The message content was gathered from many dozens of community partners, public agencies, and other subject matter experts in the Portland Metro Region. The goal was to address the needs of those most impacted by disasters, including people living outside, people with low incomes, older adults, people with medical needs vulnerable to power outages, people who do not speak or read English, and people hesitant to use utilities because of the expenses.
Translations
Translations were done by a local vendor with a focus on cultural competency. They have been reviewed by community partners. Languages are selected using Metro’s Factor 1 Analysis and feedback from local community-based organizations.
Illustrations
Illustrations were designed by a local vendor. The goal is to be visually informative and instructive; reflect our many communities; be scientifically and technically accurate yet friendly, non-terrifying, approachable, empowering, and culturally competent; communicate valuable information visually to low-literacy viewers; include vibrant color for social media/digital applications/color printing; leave blank space around for adding safety message text; be formattable into a variety of formats for social media; have high contrast of tones that print clearly on black and white low-quality printers; and be unbranded so anyone can use them. The illustrations include translated alt-text.
Audio Files
Audio files of recorded messages allow community partners to send safety messages to those who have low literacy or cannot read English. They can share the messages using the apps that are popular in the communities they serve, such as WhatsApp, WeChat, and Telegram.
Project Background
This project began during the devastating heat dome that impacted the Portland Metro Region in June 2021. Community partners shared their messaging needs with the City of Portland's former COAD Coordinator, Kate Szrom. She designed this project to be responsive of their needs. The project is now managed by the Disaster Messaging Work Group of the Regional Disaster Preparedness Organization (RDPO) and is funded by the Urban Areas Security Initiative. We hope to keep adding to this library of resources as funding allows.
Feedback is Welcome
Community input is a critical part of this project. If you have feedback, please email rdpo@portlandoregon.gov or complete this online form.