Residents who want to build an emergency plan before wildfire season peaks can do it for free on Wednesday, Aug. 12, at Oregon City's Pioneer Community Center.

The American Red Cross Cascades Region will lead a 75-minute "Be Prepared" workshop from 10 to 11:15 a.m. at the center, 615 5th St., according to the city's event listing. The session covers three basics: creating an emergency plan, assembling a go-kit, and finding reliable information during a disaster.

Wildfire smoke has already reached Clackamas County this summer. On July 22, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality placed the county under an air quality advisory as fires burned across central and eastern Oregon.

The state's Emergency Coordination Center activated to Level 3 regional response on Friday, July 17, and the Oregon Office of Emergency Management urged residents to pack a go bag before receiving an evacuation alert.

The Red Cross Cascades Region, which serves Oregon and Southwest Washington, said the presentation will teach attendees straightforward steps to stay safe during disasters and unexpected events.

The workshop is free. To RSVP, call 503-657-8287 or stop by the Pioneer Community Center reception desk. The center is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Pioneer Community Center is an adults-21-and-older facility operated by Oregon City Parks & Recreation.

More at Pioneer Community Center

Energy Education Workshop — Wednesday, Aug. 5, 10 to 11 a.m. Learn ways to reduce energy use, lower utility costs, and find out about home accessibility grants and assistance programs for qualifying homeowners and renters.

Folk Dance — Every Wednesday, noon to 1 p.m. A new weekly program featuring dances from cultural traditions around the world. No partner or experience needed. $1 drop-in.