Lincoln County Emergency Management

Lincoln County Emergency Management Prevention | Mitigation | Preparedness | Response | Recovery

SITUATIONAL AWARENESS: WILDFIRE SMOKEWildfire smoke from northern Minnesota and southwestern Ontario is affecting air qu...
07/16/2026

SITUATIONAL AWARENESS: WILDFIRE SMOKE

Wildfire smoke from northern Minnesota and southwestern Ontario is affecting air quality and visibility across Wisconsin, including Lincoln County. Conditions can change quickly as winds move smoke into or out of the area.
Wildfire smoke contains fine particulate matter known as PM2.5. These microscopic particles can travel deep into the lungs and may enter the bloodstream.

Short-term exposure may cause:
• Burning eyes or throat irritation
• Coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath
• Headaches, fatigue, or reduced exercise tolerance
• Worsening asthma, COPD, or other respiratory conditions
• Increased risk of serious cardiovascular events in vulnerable individuals

Most healthy adults recover quickly, but wildfire smoke is not harmless. Repeated or prolonged exposure may affect lung function and increase the risk of respiratory illness. Research into other potential long-term effects remains ongoing.

Children, older adults, pregnant women, people with heart or lung conditions, outdoor workers, and anyone spending extended time outside should take additional precautions.

Simple actions residents and visitors can take:
• Monitor the Air Quality Index and local alerts before outdoor activities.
• Reduce strenuous outdoor activity and move activities indoors when possible.
• Keep windows and doors closed and set air conditioning to recirculate.
• Use a properly sized portable air cleaner or a MERV 13 HVAC filter if your system can accommodate it.
• Keep vehicle windows closed and use the recirculate setting.
• When outdoor exposure cannot be avoided, wear a properly fitted NIOSH-approved N95 or P100 respirator. Cloth face coverings do not provide reliable protection from wildfire smoke.
• Do not remain in a dangerously hot home simply to keep the windows closed. Seek an air-conditioned location with cleaner air when necessary.
Seek medical attention for severe difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, fainting, or symptoms that are rapidly worsening.

Smoke can travel hundreds of miles from the fire itself. You do not need to see flames for wildfire smoke to affect your health.

Be aware. Limit your exposure. Check on family members, neighbors, and others who may need assistance.

⚠️ Dangerous heat and humidity are expected this week.The National Weather Service is forecasting a period of significan...
06/29/2026

⚠️ Dangerous heat and humidity are expected this week.

The National Weather Service is forecasting a period of significant heat-related impacts, with heat index values potentially exceeding 105°F early this week.

Please take steps to protect yourself and others:

✅ Drink plenty of water
✅ Limit strenuous outdoor activity
✅ Spend time in air conditioning when possible
✅ Check on older adults, young children, neighbors, and anyone without reliable cooling
✅ Never leave people or pets in a parked vehicle
✅ Watch for signs of heat illness, including dizziness, weakness, nausea, headache, confusion, or fainting

Cooling centers are available throughout Lincoln County, locations and hours vary so be sure to check Lincoln County Health Department's website for more information.

This week is a reminder of why staying informed matters. Lincoln County residents can sign up for Lincoln County Alerts by texting LINCOLN to 36475.

Be Aware. Be Prepared. Stay Informed.

🤠 Visiting the Wisconsin River Pro Rodeo?Text RODEO to 36475 to receive rodeo-related safety and event alerts while you'...
06/19/2026

🤠 Visiting the Wisconsin River Pro Rodeo?

Text RODEO to 36475 to receive rodeo-related safety and event alerts while you're in Lincoln County.

🏠 Lincoln County residents can sign up for Lincoln County Alerts by texting LINCOLN to 36475.

Be Aware. Be Prepared. Stay Informed.

Lincoln County residents are encouraged to sign up for Lincoln County Alerts, the County’s public alert and warning syst...
06/15/2026

Lincoln County residents are encouraged to sign up for Lincoln County Alerts, the County’s public alert and warning system through CodeRED by Crisis24.

Enrollment is free and helps residents receive timely emergency and public safety alerts from trusted local officials.

Residents can sign up online at https://accountportal.onsolve.net/lincolncowi, scan the approved QR code, or text LINCOLN to 36475 to begin the enrollment process.

Be Aware. Be Prepared. Stay Informed.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 16, 2026CONTACT: tyler.verhasselt@co.lincoln.wi.usStatewide Tornado Exercise Cancelled; L...
04/16/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 16, 2026
CONTACT: [email protected]

Statewide Tornado Exercise Cancelled; Lincoln County Encourages Continued Severe Weather Preparedness

Merrill, WI—Lincoln County Emergency Management is notifying community partners, stakeholders, and the public that today’s Wisconsin statewide tornado exercise has been cancelled due to real-world severe weather impacts and ongoing emergency response activities across the state.

While the statewide exercise will not take place, severe weather preparedness remains critically important for Lincoln County residents, businesses, schools, healthcare partners, faith-based organizations, nonprofit agencies, and government stakeholders.

“Although today’s statewide exercise has been cancelled, preparedness cannot be cancelled with it,” said Tyler Verhasselt, Director of Emergency Management for Lincoln County. “This is still a strong opportunity for communities to revisit their tornado and severe weather plans, talk through them, and put them into action. If a plan does not already exist, this is the right time to build one.”

Lincoln County Emergency Management encourages the public and partner agencies to use today as an opportunity to review tornado and severe weather safety.

Before Severe Weather:
Community members should monitor the forecast, stay weather-aware, and make sure they have multiple ways to receive alerts and warnings. Outdoor warning sirens, NOAA Weather Radio, local media, and mobile alerts each play an important role, and no one should rely on a single source for life-safety information. People should also know in advance where they would go if a tornado warning is issued, whether at home, work, school, or in a public building.

During Severe Weather:
If a tornado warning is issued or a tornado is observed, people should take shelter immediately. The safest locations are a basement, storm cellar, or a small interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, away from windows. People should remain in shelter until the threat has passed and continue to monitor trusted sources for updated information.

After Severe Weather:
After a storm passes, caution should remain high. Damaged buildings, broken glass, debris, downed power lines, and utility hazards can all create life-threatening conditions. People should avoid damaged areas when possible, check for injuries, follow instructions from local officials, and report emergencies through appropriate channels.

Lincoln County Emergency Management also encourages partner agencies and stakeholders to review internal warning procedures, sheltering locations, continuity considerations, and personnel accountability processes. Severe weather can develop quickly, and preparedness at every level strengthens the resilience of the whole community.

For additional tornado and severe weather preparedness information, residents are encourages to follow guidance from ReadyWisconsin and remain alert throughout Wisconsin’s severe weather season.

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About Lincoln County Emergency Management
Lincoln County Emergency Management is dedicated to safeguarding our community and strengthening its resilience against all hazards through proactive resource acquisition, collaborative planning, and community partnerships. Our mission is to prepared for, protect against, respond to, and recover from emergencies by fostering a culture of readiness and resilience throughout Lincoln County. We provide a range of essential services, from securing and managing state and federal grants to delivering specialized training, community outreach, and coordination of disaster response and recovery operations. With a vision of an engaged, prepared, and resilient community, we work closely with local, state, and federal partners to ensure that Lincoln County is equipped to withstand and swiftly recover from any emergency. Through innovative risk mitigation initiatives and a commitment to continuous improvement, we strive to empower all community members to play an active role in enhancing Lincoln County’s safety and resilience.

For More Information
Tyler Verhasselt
Director of Emergency Management, Lincoln County
[email protected]
(715) 218-0128

Address

801 North Sales Street/Suite 202
Merrill, WI
54452

Telephone

+17155366228

Website

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