Cherokee County Emergency Management

08/10/2026

⚠️ EXTREME HEAT ADVISORY — CHEROKEE COUNTY ⚠️

Dangerous heat is expected Monday through Wednesday. HeatRisk maps show major to extreme impacts across our area, with portions of Cherokee County potentially reaching Level 4 — Extreme.

Please take precautions:

• Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and sugary drinks.
• Limit strenuous outdoor activity and take frequent breaks.
• Stay in air-conditioned areas whenever possible.
• Check on older adults, young children, neighbors and anyone without reliable air conditioning.
• Never leave children or pets inside a vehicle.
• Bring pets indoors and provide plenty of fresh water.

Heat stroke is an emergency. If someone becomes confused, loses consciousness or has hot, dry skin, call 911 immediately.

Stay safe and continue monitoring local forecasts and official updates.

08/07/2026

August is National Emergency Management Awareness Month.

When most people hear “Emergency Management,” they think about tornadoes, floods, or other disasters. While responding to emergencies is a big part of what we do, it’s only a small piece of the job.

Emergency Management is built around four phases:

Mitigation – Reducing future disaster risks before they happen.

Preparedness – Planning, training, and educating our communities.

Response – Coordinating resources and helping during emergencies.

Recovery – Assisting communities as they rebuild after disasters.

Emergency Managers work behind the scenes every day to make sure our communities are ready when the unexpected happens. That means developing emergency plans, coordinating with local, state, and federal agencies, organizing training exercises, applying for grants, managing disaster damage assessments, supporting public information efforts, and helping secure resources before they are ever needed.

In many communities, Emergency Managers also wear multiple hats. Depending on the county or city, they may also serve as:
• Floodplain Administrators
• Code Enforcement Officers
• 911 Mapping or GIS Coordinators
• Hazardous Materials Coordinators
• LEPC Coordinators
• Storm Spotter and Weather Program Coordinators
• Public Safety Communications Coordinators
• Grant Managers
• Homeland Security Liaisons
• Volunteer and Donation Coordinators during disasters

Code Enforcement may not seem like emergency management at first, but it plays an important role in keeping our communities safe. Addressing unsafe structures, nuisance properties, overgrown vegetation, illegal dumping, and other hazards helps reduce risks before they become emergencies—making it a key part of disaster mitigation.

Emergency Management isn’t just about reacting when something goes wrong—it’s about building stronger, safer, and more resilient communities every single day.

This month, take a few minutes to prepare your own family by updating your emergency contacts, building an emergency kit, reviewing your severe weather plan, and signing up for local emergency alerts. Prepared communities recover faster, and preparedness starts with each of us.

To all of the Emergency Managers, first responders, dispatchers, public works crews, healthcare workers, volunteers, and partner agencies who work together to protect our communities—thank you for everything you do.

08/06/2026

🌦️ Cherokee County Weather Update

Good afternoon , Cherokee County!

As new weather information continues to come in, we’re getting a better idea of what to expect this afternoon and tonight.

The Storm Prediction Center may downgrade our severe weather risk from a Slight Risk to a Marginal Risk with the 11:30 AM update. While this is good news, isolated strong to severe thunderstorms are still possible this afternoon and evening, with a few storms potentially lingering into the overnight hours.

Main threats include:
💨 Wind gusts up to 60 mph
🌧️ Localized heavy rainfall, especially in areas that receive multiple rounds of storms

There is still some uncertainty about where the front will stall overnight, so it’s too early to pinpoint exactly where the heaviest rainfall will occur.

We’ll continue to monitor conditions throughout the day and share updates as new information becomes available.

As always, stay weather-aware, keep an eye on the forecast, and have multiple ways to receive weather warnings if storms develop.

– Cherokee County Emergency Management

07/26/2026

A huge shoutout to our partners at Cherokee County EMS for answering the call to help our neighbors in Crawford County today!

Three off-duty crew members provided mutual aid coverage during the Million-Dollar Fireworks Festival at the Camptown Complex north of Frontenac. With thousands expected to attend, Crawford County EMS reached out to surrounding agencies for assistance, and our team didn’t hesitate to step up.

Thank you to EMTs Erin C***s and Ryan Morgan and Paramedic Liz Curtis for volunteering your time to staff medical tents and respond to any emergencies throughout the event.

We are proud of your dedication, professionalism, and willingness to serve not only Cherokee County but our surrounding communities as well. This is what mutual aid and teamwork are all about.

Stay safe, and thank you for representing Cherokee County with pride! 🚑🇺🇸

Three of our off duty personnel are assisting our neighbors to the north in Crawford County with EMS operations at the Million-Dollar Fireworks Festival being held at the Camptown Complex north of Frontenac.

Crawford County EMS had reached out, earlier this week, to surrounding EMS agencies to request any personnel willing to assist in covering this massive gathering.

Two EMT’s and a Paramedic from our service answered the call and will be assisting in manning the medical tents and responding as needed to emergencies in the crowd.

Thank You for stepping up and leading a hand, EMT’s Erin C***s and Ryan Morgan, and Paramedic Liz Curtis

07/14/2026

📢 New Code Enforcement Complaint Form Available

Cherokee County residents now have the option to complete a fillable Code Enforcement Complaint Form to report concerns such as:

• Trash, junk, or debris
• Tall grass or uncontrolled vegetation
• 3 or Inoperable or abandoned vehicles
• Unsafe or dilapidated structures
• Sewage, septic, or wastewater concerns
• Illegal dumping or burning
• Rodents, vermin, or other health and safety concerns

The form can be downloaded, completed electronically, saved, and returned to Cherokee County Code Enforcement. Photos and other supporting documentation may also be submitted with the complaint.

Please note that anonymous complaints will not be accepted. A complainant’s name and contact information are required because complaints and supporting information may become part of an enforcement case or court proceeding.

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07/14/2026

07/11/2026

⚠️ SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR CHEROKEE COUNTY UNTIL 12:15 AM ⚠️

The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Cherokee County until 12:15 AM.

Hazards with this storm may include:
🌧️ Heavy rainfall
💨 Damaging winds
🧊 Large hail
⚡ Frequent lightning

If you are outdoors, seek shelter immediately in a sturdy building. Stay away from windows and avoid unnecessary travel while the storm moves through the area.

⚠️ Remember, a Flood Watch remains in effect through Saturday evening, and any heavy rainfall could quickly lead to flooding of roads, low-water crossings, and other flood-prone areas.

Please use caution and report any storm damage to Cherokee County Emergency Management when it is safe to do so.

Stay weather aware and have multiple ways to receive warnings overnight.

07/11/2026

⚠️ FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FOR CHEROKEE COUNTY THROUGH SATURDAY EVENING ⚠️

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for Cherokee County through Saturday evening. Flooding caused by excessive rainfall remains possible, especially in low-lying areas, near creeks and streams, and on roads that commonly flood. (National Weather Service)

Please use extra caution if traveling this weekend. Never drive through flooded roadways. Just a few inches of moving water can sweep a vehicle off the road.

✔️ Monitor weather conditions closely.
✔️ Have multiple ways to receive warnings.
✔️ Avoid flooded roads and low-water crossings.
✔️ Be prepared for changing conditions, especially overnight.

Remember: Turn Around, Don’t Drown.

Cherokee County Emergency Management will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates as needed. Stay safe and stay weather aware.

07/10/2026

Thunderstorms are expected mid-day Saturday and last through the evening. These storms will have the potential to produce damaging wind gusts. Repeated thunderstorms in the same area may result in flash flooding. The strongest storms may be capable of producing hail up to the size of quarters.

07/08/2026

Today, Cherokee County Emergency Management met with Cherokee County Road & Bridge and the Kansas Division of Emergency Management (KDEM) to conduct a county-wide damage assessment.

Throughout the day, we toured affected areas, documented road damage, and identified failed culverts resulting from recent flooding and severe weather. This effort is a critical step in ensuring all damages are properly recorded and submitted for potential state and federal assistance.

I want to personally recognize our Road & Bridge Department for the outstanding work they have done. Their crews have worked tirelessly to address damaged roadways, restore access, and maintain thorough documentation throughout this recovery process. Their dedication to the residents of Cherokee County has been exceptional.

KDEM was on-site to review our progress, provide guidance, and assist with the required documentation to ensure our recovery efforts remain on track.

The yellow map represents road damages across Cherokee County from our April severe weather declaration on April 26–27, 2026. The white map shows all documented road damages resulting from the June 8 flooding event. We are currently working on a damage assessment map for the June 26 flood event and will share that information as it becomes available.

Recovery is a team effort, and today’s meeting highlighted the strong partnership between local and state agencies. Thank you to everyone involved for your hard work, professionalism, and commitment to serving Cherokee County.