Licking County Emergency Management
Quick Links
Know the Difference
Stay informed on the difference between Outlook, Watch and Warnings…read more
What to do in
Severe Weather Events
Know what to do in the different weather events happening in our area…read more
Other Helpful Products
To help stay weather-aware, please check the following links for useful weather information… read more
5 Ways to Sign Up For Alerts
EMA is now active with hyper-reach MNS. It’s free to sign up, and it takes little time to register. Please use one of the five ways to register and always be prepared.
Scan QR Code
Call: 740-873-7371
Text “alerts” to 740-873-7371
Tell your Alexa unit
“Alexa, enable Hyper-Reach”
Be Weather Ready!
Stay up to date on daily weather alerts and events. Check the forecast regularly especially on days when your area is at risk to receive severe weather. For updated information on Licking County weather, go to https://weather.gov/iln and click your location on the map to get a local weather forecast.
Are You Prepared?
How will you know if severe weather is imminent? Although Licking County has a tornado siren network of over 50 sirens across the county, sirens are only meant to warn those who are outside meaning they are not effective if you are inside (especially if you are inside and asleep). Have a notification plan that will warn you at all hours of the day in the event of severe weather impacting your area. Good options include:
- NOAA Weather Radio
- Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA)
- Licking County RAVE text alerts – Text LCWEATHER to 67283 or 78015
You can also be prepared by watching or listening to local media outlets as they typically stay in close contact with our National Weather Service local Weather Forecast Office in Wilmington. Our local media outlets can also provide hyper local information to advise when and where a storm is tracking. For help coming up with a plan, visit https://www.ready.gov/plan.
Know The Difference
Outlook/Statement – Indicates that a hazardous weather event may develop but there is still uncertainty. Forecaster confidence of an event occurring is generally greater than 30 percent. This stage is intended to provide those who need it, considerable lead-time to prepare for the possible event.
Watch – Used when the risk of a hazardous weather event has increased, but its occurrence, location, and/or timing is still somewhat uncertain. Forecaster confidence is generally greater than 50 percent. This stage is intended to provide enough lead-time so those who need to set their pans in motion can do so.
Warning/Advisory – Used when a hazardous weather event is imminent, or is already occurring. Forecaster confidence is generally greater than 80 percent. A warning is used for conditions that pose a threat to life and property. An advisory is used for less serious conditions that cause significant inconvenience and, if proper precautions are not taken, could pose a threat to life and property. When a warning or advisory is issued, preparations should be completed or rushed to completion.
What To Do In Severe Weather Events
Floods
Stay informed – Listen to radio and/or TV including NOAA Radio if Possible.
Get to higher ground – If you are in a flood prone area or camping, get to higher ground immediately.
Obey evacuation orders – If told to evacuate, do so immediately. Lock your home.
Practice Electrical Safety – Don’t go into a basement, or any room, if water covers the electrical outlets or if cords are submerged. If you see sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping, or popping noises, get out!
Avoid flood waters – Don’t walk or drive through flood waters. It only takes 6 inches of moving water to knock you off your feet. A vehicle caught in swiftly moving waters can be swept away in seconds. 12 inches of water can float a car or small SUV. 18 inches of water can carry away large vehicles. TURN AROUND, DON’T DROWN!
Thunderstorms
Stay informed – Listen to radio and/or TV including NOAA Radio if Possible.
At your house – Go to your secure location if you hear a severe thunderstorm warning. Damaging wind or hail may be approaching. Take your pets with you if time allows.
At your workplace or school – Stay away from windows if you are in a severe thunderstorm warning. Do not go to large rooms such as cafeterias, gymnasiums, or auditoriums.
Outside – Go inside a sturdy building immediately if severe thunderstorms are approaching. Sheds and storage facilities are not safe. Taking shelter under a tree can be deadly.
In a vehicle – Being in a vehicle during a severe storm is safer than being outside, however, you should drive to the closest secure shelter if there is sufficient time.
Lightning
WHEN THUNDER ROARS, GO INDOORS! – If you can hear thunder, you are within lightning striking distance. (Generally, lightning is within range if a strike has occurred within 10 miles.)
If you are stuck outside – Avoid open areas and don’t be the tallest object in the area. Stay away from isolated tall trees, towers or utility poles. Stay away from metal conductors such as wires or fences. If you are with a group of people, spread out.
If someone is struck – Call 911. Give first aid: start CPR if you are trained and use an AED if one is available and it is necessary. If possible and safe to do so, move the victim to a safer location. Lightning CAN strike the same place twice!
Tornados
Stay informed – Listen to radio and/or TV including NOAA Radio if Possible.
At your house – If you are in a tornado warning, go to your basement, saferoom, or interior room away from windows. Don’t forget your pets if time allows! If you are in a mobile or manufactured home, get to a shelter or a nearby permanent structure if time allows even if your home is tied down.
At your workplace or school – Follow your tornado plan and proceed to your tornado shelter location quickly and calmly. Stay away from windows and do not go into larger open rooms such as cafeterias, gymnasiums, or auditoriums.
Outside – Seek shelter inside a sturdy building immediately! Sheds and storage facilities are not safe. Neither is a mobile home or tent. If sturdy shelter is not possible, lie flat and face-down on low ground, protecting the back of your head with your arms. Get as far away from trees and cars as you can.
Other Weather Safety Topics from the National Weather Service
Other Helpful Products
To help stay weather-aware, please check the following links for useful weather information: