Corvallis startup HazAdapt, a free emergency and disaster guide app that seeks to expand access to critical safety information for folks in the general public, has launched into a new partnership with Oregon State University Extension.
HazAdapt app users have direct access to all OSU Extension sites and publications related to earthquakes, wildfires and tsunamis. That access started on Monday, May 19.
"This is a great way to highlight and significantly expand our reach to a much wider audience across the state -- and beyond," said Marina Denny, associate vice provost for engagement. "It allows us to meet people where they are, especially during moments when timely, actionable information is critical."
"We are so excited to partner and help boost disaster resilience in every county in Oregon."
HazAdapt is a Corvallis-based startup transforming emergency preparedness through inclusive, community-centered technology. Founded in 2019 by OSU graduate students, HazAdapt offers a free mobile and web app with customizable guidance for more than 50 hazards.
HazAdapt's features include a life-saving Hazard Guide, personal preparedness tools called "Prep Checks," and automatic access to local safety information. The app works offline and updates with location-specific resources, serving users as they move throughout the United States. It's available in seven languages: English, Spanish, French, German, Russian, Mandarin and Japanese.
"We are so excited to partner and help boost disaster resilience in every county in Oregon," said Ginny Katz, HazAdapt's founder and CEO. "There are so many valuable preparedness resources that OSU Extension offers and we're focusing in on three main hazards: earthquake, tsunami and wildfire."
The app makes it easier for people to take meaningful action, according to Katz.
"As we've been accumulating these resources, the main theme we're seeing is, 'Can I use this information right now to take action?' That's really where HazAdapt shines. It helps people access that information in a digestible, easy-to-understand way. We link to OSU Extension resources and build that community."
The partnership highlights key topics such as physical and mental resilience.
"We're focusing on preparing homes and property. And livestock -- this is a massive need in Oregon and across the U.S.," Katz said.
Connection with emergency agencies is a big part of this partnership, Katz said.
"As I have been sharing this incredible partnership with OSU Extension with county-level emergency management and the Oregon Department of Emergency Management, they are excited and saying, 'This is great. How can we join?'" Katz said.
Another benefit of the collaboration is access to real-time analytics that will create a better understanding of community engagement and information needs.
"We're looking at views, clicks, hovers ... this is really impactful," Katz said. "We're about to launch ResiliencePoint, an engagement portal for safety authorities. This helps them see what hazards their communities are focused on -- in real time."
HazAdapt also enhances public access to OSU Extension's growing library of county-level resources, including lists of mental health services, webinars and localized guides.
"It's obvious that OSU Extension has a strong commitment to community and I'm so proud to be part of that and the passion to innovate," Katz said. "We're doing something unique here in Oregon."
Benton Employment Rate Improves
Benton County's employment gains in April were more than normal; total nonfarm employment increased by 330 jobs, when an employment increase of 180 jobs would be expected. As a result, seasonally adjusted employment increased 150 jobs between March and April.
Seasonally adjusted total nonfarm employment is now up 3.4% from the level in February 2020, 1,500 jobs above its pre-pandemic level. Over the past year Benton County's seasonally adjusted total nonfarm employment is up 340 jobs or +0.8%. The private sector overall added 150 jobs over the month. Leisure and hospitality had the most monthly employment gains.
The public sector overall added 180 jobs in April. Local government employment increased by 190. Federal government employment was down 10 and state government employment was unchanged in April. Benton County's unadjusted unemployment rate was 3.1% in April, down from its revised rate of 4.4% in March.
Oregon's statewide unadjusted unemployment rate in April was 4.1%, down from its revised March rate of 5.2%. Labor force statistics for Oregon metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) are produced by the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Through June 2025, seasonally adjusted data are not available for Oregon MSAs or other MSAs around the country. New MSA definitions resulting from the 2020 Census are being incorporated into the history of the data series back to 1990, as well as other updates to the processing of labor force estimates for substate areas. Read more on this pause in seasonally adjusted metro area data here.