Black Hawk County Local Emergency Planning Committee

04/21/2026

REMINDER! This is a great opportunity for Spring cleaning and getting rid of those hazardous items the legal and appropriate way.

It's that time of year again! The Household Hazardous Waste & Electronics Recycling Event is right around the corner!

Join BHC Waste Trac Education Team for this event - FREE to Black Hawk County Residents:

Waterloo Waste Management Facility
3505 Easton Ave.
Saturday May 2| 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Items accepted:
• Household chemicals, batteries, bulbs and more
• TVs, computers and small electronics

Easy drive through, drop-off, with volunteers available to help unload. 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱!

Use the link below to get more information, choose your appointment time and reserve your spot today. You can even sign up to volunteer at the event.
https://wastetrac.org/spring-collection-event/

04/03/2026

Waterloo residents: It’s time to safely clear out household hazardous waste and old electronics. Join the Waste Trac Education Team on Saturday, May 2 for a free collection event in Waterloo.
• Household chemicals, batteries, bulbs and more
• TVs, computers and small electronics
• Easy, drive-through drop-off
• Volunteers unload for you
Registration is required. Get more information, choose your appointment time and reserve your spot today.
https://wastetrac.org/spring-drop-off-event/
Waterloo Waste Management Facility
3505 Easton Ave.
9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Waterloo residents: It’s time to safely clear out household hazardous waste and old electronics. Join the Waste Trac Education Team on Saturday, May 2 for a free collection event in Waterloo.

• Household chemicals, batteries, bulbs and more
• TVs, computers and small electronics
• Easy, drive-through drop-off
• Volunteers unload for you

Registration is required. Get more information, choose your appointment time and reserve your spot today.
https://wastetrac.org/spring-drop-off-event/

Waterloo Waste Management Facility
3505 Easton Ave.
9 a.m.-1 p.m.

03/27/2026

This is some really good information

HazMat Tactical Tip - Establish a Collapse Zone Under the Tailgate.

There are three common CNG garbage truck fire scenarios including a trash/cargo fire, vehicle fire (with the CNG cylinders not involved), and a fire involving the CNG cylinders.

When conducting offensive operations at a trash/cargo fire involving in a front loading trash truck with a rear tailgate, one tactical option is to raise/force the tailgate to access the seat of the fire. In some cases, a heavy wrecker or front end loader is used.

When operating near the rear of the truck with the tailgate raised, establish a collapse zone under the tailgate. The tailgate weighs over 1,000 lbs and could swing closed suddenly, crushing responder(s).

If the situation permits, consider having the driver dump the trash out in a safe location.

Email [email protected] if you're interested in CNG vehicle response training or our new HazMat Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (HazMat TTPs) course which includes the ER Playbook App for your team.

Photo by ER Playbook

03/27/2026

Old Drums of Calcium Carbide Discovered

Leland Twp, MI - Leland Township Fire and Rescue responded when six drums of Calcium Carbide were discovered in an old pole barn at a residence. Some of the drums were reportedly to be leaking the solid calcium carbide material.

Leland Twp FD coordinated with the county health Dept, EMA, state environmental agency, and the US EPA. The EPA will fund and oversee environmental contractors to remove and properly dispose of the drums

Info from EPA here: https://response.epa.gov/site/site_profile.aspx?site_id=17229

03/26/2026

Today's focus = Hail & Wind Safety

Severe thunderstorms can produce large hail & damaging winds. Hail can damage aircraft, homes, cars and can also be deadly to livestock and people.

Safety Tips:
✅Move indoors and stay away from windows.
✅If driving, pull over safely and stay inside the vehicle.
✅Ensure livestock have access to overhead shelter.

www.ready.iowa.gov

03/25/2026

In continuing Severe Weather Awareness Week, Black Hawk County Emergency Management WILL be participating in the statewide tornado drill at 10:00AM.

🚨 Statewide Tornado Drill 🚨

Reminder: A statewide tornado drill will take place at 10 AM! This is your chance to practice your safety plan.

When you hear the alert, go to your safe spot and review your emergency procedures.

Preparedness saves lives—let’s all be ready!



Hawk Consolidated Communications Center Black Hawk County

03/24/2026

For Severe Weather Awareness Week, we are planning and preparing for any severe weather that we may encounter. One thing that you can do to prepare and stay informed is sign up for AlertIowa notifications. Go visit the Black Hawk County Emergency Management website for details and to sign up.

Alert Iowa is the State of Iowa’s official emergency notification system. Through Alert Iowa, state and local officials are able to utilize a single, statewide notification system that provides local control of how and when to disseminate emergency and public safety messages to residents.Learn mo...

03/23/2026

Severe Weather Awareness Week 2026 is officially underway!

It's officially 2026! Follow our posts this week & learn how to be prepared when severe weather hits. Today's focus = ⚡️.

The best defense against lightning/thunderstorms is a sturdy building. Make a plan ahead of time & know your closest shelter. 🌩️ 👉 🏠

Ready.iowa.gov/severe-thunderstorms

03/06/2026

03/06/2026

From our partners over at BHC Emergency Management........

🌪️ Severe Weather Awareness Week: March 23–27, 2026 🌧️

Join us all week as we focus on staying safe during severe weather! Each day covers a different topic:

➡️ Monday (March 23): Lightning Safety Learn how to stay safe when storms bring lightning. When thunder roars, go indoors!

➡️ Tuesday (March 24): Tornado Safety. Know your safe place and stay alert for tornado warnings. Practice your tornado drill!

➡️ Wednesday (March 25): Preparedness. Create your emergency kit and review your family plan. Preparation saves lives.

➡️ Thursday (March 26): Hail & Wind Safety Protect your property and know when to take shelter from hail and damaging winds.

➡️ Friday (March 27): Flood Safety Turn around, don’t drown! Learn how to stay safe during flooding events.

Stay tuned all week for tips and resources. Safety first! Black Hawk County