Holmes County EMA

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Holmes County EMA Holmes County Emergency Management Agency

THANK YOU TO OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS!The Holmes County Emergency Management Agency extends a huge thank you to everyone w...
10/06/2026

THANK YOU TO OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS!

The Holmes County Emergency Management Agency extends a huge thank you to everyone who participated in the School Bus Crash Mass Casualty Incident Full-Scale Exercise held at the Holmes County Fairgrounds on Saturday, October 3, 2026.

This exercise brought together multiple agencies and organizations to practice and strengthen coordination, communication, emergency response, patient care, and school response during a large-scale emergency.

Participating agencies and partners included:
• West Holmes Local Schools – Bus Driver and Administrative Staff
• Pomerene Hospital –Medical Director Dr. Reisinger
• Killbuck Township Fire Department
• Holmes Fire District #1
• Prairie Township Fire Department (Holmesville)
• Western Holmes Fire & EMS
• Holmes County Sheriff’s Office
• Metro Life Flight
• Holmes County Emergency Management Agency

We also extend a special thank you to all our patient volunteers who helped make the exercise realistic, and to Rigz Towing for transporting the school bus to and from the Holmes County Fairgrounds.

Exercises like this provide our schools, first responders, healthcare partners, law enforcement, and emergency management personnel with an opportunity to train together, strengthen partnerships, and identify areas for improvement before a real emergency occurs.

Following the MCI exercise, first responders had the opportunity to participate in a school bus extrication training provided by Howell Rescue Systems. The availability of a retired school bus provided responders with a unique, hands-on opportunity to practice stabilization, access, and extrication techniques in a realistic training environment.

Thank you to everyone who gave their time, expertise, equipment, and resources to make this exercise and training a success and help strengthen emergency preparedness and response capabilities throughout Holmes County!

10/02/2026

⚠️ COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT – TRAINING EXERCISE ⚠️

The Holmes County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) will be conducting a School Bus Crash Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) Full-Scale Exercise at the Holmes County Fairgrounds on Saturday, October 3, 2026 from 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Residents and motorists should be aware that there will be an increased presence of fire, EMS, law enforcement, school officials and other emergency response vehicles and personnel in and around the Holmes County Fairgrounds during this time.

The exercise is designed to provide local first responders, schools, healthcare partners, and other agencies an opportunity to practice and evaluate their response to a simulated school bus mass casualty incident.

THIS IS AN EXERCISE ONLY. THERE IS NO ACTUAL EMERGENCY.

09/10/2026

❄️ Is it too early to think about winter? Possibly. Are we doing it anyway? Absolutely!

👀EMAO Winter Conference Speaker Sneak Peek 👀

📆 December 3-4, 2026
📍 Salt Fork State Park Lodge
14755 Cadiz Road
Lore City, Ohio 43755

✅To Register: https://www.emaohio.org/aws/EMAO/pt/sp/winter

Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at 1245 - The NWS has issued a Heat Advisory that continues for Holmes County until 8:00PM ...
09/02/2026

Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at 1245 - The NWS has issued a Heat Advisory that continues for Holmes County until 8:00PM tonight. Peak heat index values could be in the upper 90s and lower 100s with high humidity.

Isolated storms are possible after 3PM today into the overnight hours. The main threats for these storms are damaging winds (60+ mph gusts) and large hail. Additional storms are likely Thursday afternoon into evening as a cold front continues through Holmes County. The main weather threats on Thursday are damaging winds (60+ mph gusts), large hail, and heavy rainfall.

Please stay weather aware.

Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at 1300 - August is National Emergency Management Awareness Month!Prepared Today. Ready Tomorr...
08/05/2026

Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at 1300 - August is National Emergency Management Awareness Month!

Prepared Today. Ready Tomorrow.

Emergency management is much more than responding to disasters. Every day, emergency managers work behind the scenes to help keep our communities safe through Prevention, Mitigation, Preparedness, Response, and Recovery.

In Holmes County, the Emergency Management Agency works alongside our local fire departments, EMS, law enforcement, public health, schools, hospitals, highway department, utilities, the American Red Cross, township officials, and many other partners to prepare for emergencies before they happen.

Whether it's severe weather, hazardous materials incidents, flooding, public health emergencies, or large community events, preparedness begins long before an emergency occurs.

This month, we encourage everyone to take a few simple steps to become more prepared:
• Make an emergency plan with your family.
• Build or update your emergency supply kit.
• Sign up for local emergency alerts.
• Know your community's risks.
• Stay informed and look out for your neighbors.

Preparedness is a shared responsibility. Together, we can build a safer, stronger, and more resilient Holmes County.

Monday, July 20, 2026 at 1530 - Strong to severe storms could enter Holmes County later this evening (Monday, July 20th)...
07/20/2026

Monday, July 20, 2026 at 1530 - Strong to severe storms could enter Holmes County later this evening (Monday, July 20th) with a focus on Tuesday (July 21st) midmorning to evening.

Primary Threat Window:
• Tuesday afternoon through Tuesday evening.

Potential Hazards:
• Damaging wind gusts
• Large hail
• Heavy rainfall with localized flash flooding
• Frequent lightning
• An isolated tornado cannot be ruled out

Holmes County EMA will continue to monitor forecast updates from the National Weather Service and the Storm Prediction Center and will provide additional information if conditions warrant. Please remain weather aware and be prepared to take appropriate action if watches or warnings are issued.

Pictographs courtesy of the National Weather Service.

Respectfully,

Friday, July 17, 2026 at 1530 - The latest forecast indicates the severe weather threat has increased for Saturday. The ...
07/17/2026

Friday, July 17, 2026 at 1530 - The latest forecast indicates the severe weather threat has increased for Saturday. The Storm Prediction Center has upgraded portions of northern Ohio into an Enhanced Risk (Level 3 of 5), with the highest threat extending from the central Lake Erie shoreline eastward into northwest Pennsylvania. Holmes County remains in an area that could experience severe thunderstorms Saturday afternoon and evening.

TIMING FOR HOLMES COUNTY

Primary window: 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM Saturday

Storms are expected to develop during the afternoon and organize into one or more lines capable of producing widespread damaging winds.

PRIMARY HAZARDS

Damaging winds: Widespread gusts of 70+ mph are possible, especially north and east of a Port Clinton–Canton line.

Tornadoes: A few tornadoes are possible, with the greatest risk across northwest Ohio, though isolated tornadoes cannot be ruled out farther east.

Large hail: Hail of 1 inch or greater is possible.

Flash flooding: Torrential rainfall may produce localized flash flooding, particularly in urban and low-lying areas.

Please stay weather aware this weekend.

Pictographs courtesy of the National Weather Service.

Tuesday, July 14, 2026 at 0845 - The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for Holmes County on Tuesday an...
07/14/2026

Tuesday, July 14, 2026 at 0845 - The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for Holmes County on Tuesday and Wednesday. Afternoon temperatures are expected to climb into the 90s, with heat index values approaching or exceeding 100°F, creating conditions where heat-related illnesses can develop quickly, especially for those working or spending time outdoors.

Heat Safety Tips for Holmes County Residents

Stay Hydrated
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don't feel thirsty.
• Avoid excessive amounts of alcohol and sugary drinks, which can contribute to dehydration.

Stay Cool
• Spend as much time as possible in air-conditioned buildings.
• If you don't have air conditioning, visit a public location such as a library, shopping center, or other cooled facility.

Dress for the Heat
• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, and light-colored clothing.
• Use sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors.

Limit Outdoor Activity
• Avoid strenuous work or exercise during the hottest part of the day (typically 11 AM to 6 PM).
• If you must work outside, take frequent breaks in the shade and drink water often.

Check on Others
• Check on elderly family members, neighbors, and anyone with chronic medical conditions.
• Never leave children, older adults, or pets unattended in a parked vehicle—even for a few minutes.

Protect Your Pets
• Ensure pets have plenty of fresh water and shade.
• Walk pets during the early morning or late evening, and avoid hot pavement that can burn their paws.

Know the Signs of Heat Illness
• Heat Exhaustion: Heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, headache, cool and clammy skin.
• Heat Stroke (Medical Emergency): High body temperature, confusion, hot dry skin (or heavy sweating), loss of consciousness.
• If someone shows signs of heat stroke, call 911 immediately.

Stay informed by monitoring the latest forecasts from the National Weather Service and follow updates from Holmes County EMA. Stay cool, stay hydrated, and check on your neighbors during this period of dangerous heat.

Thursday, July 2, 2026 at 11:20AM - Holmes County EMA Weather Alert – Excessive Heat & Severe Weather This Holiday Weeke...
07/02/2026

Thursday, July 2, 2026 at 11:20AM - Holmes County EMA Weather Alert – Excessive Heat & Severe Weather This Holiday Weekend

The Holmes County Emergency Management Agency is urging residents and visitors to stay weather aware this Fourth of July holiday weekend.

Dangerous Heat Continues

An Extreme Heat Warning remains in effect through Friday evening, with hot and humid conditions continuing into the weekend. Heat index values may approach or exceed 100°F, increasing the risk of heat-related illness.

Protect yourself and your family:
💧Drink plenty of water throughout the day—even if you don't feel thirsty.
🏠 Spend as much time as possible in air-conditioned buildings.
☀️ Limit outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day (typically noon to 6:00 PM).
👕 Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
👵 Check on elderly neighbors, family members, and anyone without air conditioning.
🐶 Never leave children or pets unattended in a vehicle—even for a few minutes.

⛈️ Strong to Severe Storms Possible Friday & Saturday

There is also the potential for strong to severe thunderstorms on Friday and Saturday. Storms may produce:
• Damaging wind gusts
• Large hail
• Heavy rainfall that could lead to localized flooding
• Frequent cloud-to-ground lightning

⚡ When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!
If you hear thunder, move indoors immediately. Lightning can strike several miles away from a storm. Delay outdoor activities until at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder.

📱 Stay Weather Aware

Monitor the latest forecasts throughout the holiday weekend. Have multiple ways to receive weather warnings, especially if you will be attending outdoor events or fireworks displays. Conditions can change quickly.

The Holmes County EMA wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable Independence Day weekend. Celebrate responsibly, stay hydrated, and remain weather aware!

06/29/2026

🌡️ Beat the heat, Holmes County! With a Heat Advisory in effect this week, please know there are welcoming places right here in our community where you can come in, stay cool, and take your time. Share this with a neighbor or loved one who may need it, looking out for each other is what we do! 💛

Address

2 Court Street
Millersburg, OH
44654

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