An education program providing preparedness information for Portage County Ohio communities.
The Portage County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (PC OHS/EM) operates within the realm of public safety and is tasked with the overall preparedness and resiliency mission of Portage County. PC OHS/EM was established in 1989 by today’s ORC 5502.271 as a countywide emergency management program under the chief executives of the county. Essential deliverables are the annual revi
The Portage County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (PC OHS/EM) operates within the realm of public safety and is tasked with the overall preparedness and resiliency mission of Portage County. PC OHS/EM was established in 1989 by today’s ORC 5502.271 as a countywide emergency management program under the chief executives of the county. Essential deliverables are the annual revi
Operating as usual
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Wind chills are 0 to -10 area-wide this morning with scattered lake effect snow showers. Most accumulations will be light, but Erie and Crawford Counties in PA are under a Winter Weather Advisory until 1 AM Saturday for up to a few additional inches of accumulation.
Periods of light to occasionally moderate lake-effect snow expected generally southeast of Lake Erie today and generally east of the lake early Saturday morning. Full details are at weather.gov/cle.
Weekend looks chillllleeee, ya’ll! Dress in layers. Check on the neighbors. Bring pets in. You know the drill.
Photos from US National Weather Service Cleveland OH's post
Alert- Traffic Backup WB MP 187 (Portage)- Click link for details ow.ly/Hjh3T
Baby, it’s cold outside! Dress in layers. Dress those family members in layers. Here’s a quick infographic with info and graphics as a guide!
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🥶🥶Below-average temperatures are expected today with highs in the lower 20s. A light wind will make it feel slightly colder in the low teens.
The Winter Weather Advisory is set to end at 9 am!
⚠⚠ A Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for portions of north-central and northeast Ohio until 9 AM. Light snow and freezing drizzle may result in slick spots on untreated and/or elevated surfaces, especially before sunrise.
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Another cloudy day is expected with highs ranging from the mid 30's to lower 40's.
** THIS IS AN EXERCISE.** Another critical and valuable active shooter training yesterday at Northeast Ohio Medical University with NEOMED Police, Rootstown Fire Dept, Portage County Sheriff's Office - Ohio and Ohio State Highway Patrol. Portage County EMA Director Ryan Shackelford led the training assisted by Deputy Director Brett Lee. Takeway? Working in a unified command to save lives. NEOMED Sgt. Shawn Parker was tasked as Incident Commander for the initial response. EMA has provided the training to Garrettsville Freedom Nelson Joint Fire District, Brimfield Police Department, Brimfield Fire Department, Streetsboro Fire Department, Streetsboro Police Department, Suffield Fire Department, Hiram Police Department, Atwater Fire Department, Randolph Volunteer Fire Company, Mantua Village Police, Mantua Shalersville Fire Department, Community EMS District, Village of Garrettsville Police Department, Aurora Police Department, Aurora Fire Department, Ravenna Police Department and Ravenna City Fire Department. Some 200 Portage County safety forces members have participated with a few more departments to go. EMA plans for a practice exercise sometime this year, another way local safety forces test their response muscle. Thanks to NEOMED PD Chief Williams, RFD Chief Palmer, OSP Lt. Louive and PCSO Lt. Muir for bringing their troops! ** THIS IS AN EXERCISE.**
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🚨🚨 Attention Students 🚨🚨
NWS Cleveland is seeking 2 motivated students for our Summer Student Volunteer Program. This program offers students the opportunity to assist in local office research & learn more about a career in the NWS. Applications are due March 1, 2023 Go to https://www.weather.gov/cle/studentvolunteer for more information and the link to apply!
Just like taking out the trash, cleaning the bathroom, changing a lightbulb, or switching the TV remote’s
batteries, carbon monoxide (CO) alarms require routine upkeep so that they work correctly in your
home. To make sure your CO alarms are keeping your home safe, test them monthly and replace
batteries when they are low.
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Here is our forecast snowfall Today through Tonight. Heaviest of the snow should occur this afternoon then continue into Tonight.
**LEVEL 1 Advisory has been lifted** Continue to drive careful and with caution.
On the Ohio Turnpike:
TRAFFIC ACCIDENT EASTBOUND
From: MP 198.6 to MP 202.9 (Portage County) Length: 4.3 miles �Lanes Blocked: Left, Center Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission
**A Level 1 Advisory has been issued by Sheriff Bruce D. Zuchowski** A Level 1 means roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow. Roads may also be icy. Please, drive with extreme caution.
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Snow continues across the area this morning before changing to a wintry mix and then rain. Snow will persist across Northwest Ohio, where snowfall totals will reach 5 to 9 inches by tonight.
Thanks to Kent Police Department for sharing this!
The following information is from the U.S. National Weather Service (NWS)
Winter weather related Warnings, Watches and Advisories are issued by your local National Weather Service office. Each office knows the local area and will issue Warnings, Watches or Advisories based on local criteria. For example, the amount of snow that triggers a “Winter Storm Warning” in the Northern Plains is typically much higher than the amount needed to trigger a “Winter Storm Warning” in the Southeast.
+Warnings: Take Action!
+Watches: Be Prepared
+Advisories: Be Aware
Here are some more key terms to understand:
Freezing Rain: Rain that freezes when it hits the ground; creating a coating of ice on roads, walkways, trees and power lines.
Sleet: Rain that turns to ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet also causes moisture on roads to freeze and become slippery.
Wind Chill: A measure of how cold people feel due to the combined effect of wind and cold temperatures; the Wind Chill Index is based on the rate of heat loss from exposed skin. Both cold temperatures and wind remove heat from the body; as the wind speed increases during cold conditions, a body loses heat more quickly. Eventually, the internal body temperature also falls and hypothermia can develop. Animals also feel the effects of wind chill; but inanimate objects, such as vehicles and buildings, do not. They will only cool to the actual air temperature, although much faster during windy conditions.
Photos from US National Weather Service Cleveland OH's post
Photos from Ohio Department of Transportation - Akron / Canton District 4's post
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🔦 If you experience an outage due to today's weather, don't rely on your neighbors to report it. Customer outage reports help our crews identify damage locations + restore power faster.
⚠️ Stay at least 30 feet away from downed lines. Report them ASAP to 9-1-1.
Here’s hoping your am commute is without problems!
WINTRY MIX ARRIVES TOMORROW, EXPECT A MESSY MORNING COMMUTE:
As the image below shows all of our region is now under a Winter Weather Advisory for our next winter storm which will bring a wintry mess to the area tomorrow. The Winter Weather Advisories are in effect for the predawn tomorrow through tomorrow afternoon.
A swath of snow will initially move into the region 3:30-6:30 AM tomorrow morning quickly turning steady with periods of moderate to even briefly heavy snowfall at times (up to 1"/hr rates) continuing throughout the morning. Warmer air aloft will then be surging in from the south allowing the snow to increasingly mix with sleet and then even a bit of freezing rain during the late morning to early afternoon timeframe. Activity will then transition over to rain showers during the mid-late afternoon as surface temperatures rise into the mid-upper 30s. However, the backside of this system will usher back in sub-freezing temps into Wednesday night allowing activity to change back over to lake enhanced snow showers which will continue into the day on Thursday.
In terms of totals, 2-5" of wet snow/sleet is expected across the region before the changeover to rain later tomorrow, though lake effect activity into Thursday will tack on additional amounts to this. Be prepared for slippery conditions and a hazardous morning commute tomorrow and use extra caution if out traveling! Additionally, expect any untreated wet surfaces to turn slick Wednesday night.
! WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 3 AM TO 3 PM EST WEDNESDAY...
* WHAT...Mixed precipitation expected. Total snow and sleet accumulations of 3 to 4 inches and ice accumulations of a light glaze.
* WHERE...Portions of north central, northeast and northwest Ohio.
* WHEN...From 3 AM to 3 PM EST Wednesday.
* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning commute.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow will overspread the area Wednesday morning before transitioning to a wintry mix and then rain by Wednesday afternoon. The heaviest snow is expected Wednesday morning when snow rates of up to 1 inch per hour may be possible.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Slow down and use caution while traveling.
The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.
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Watch how to make a home fire escape plan. http://nfpa.social/oEE450MqETj
Looking ahead to your commute on Wednesday…
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Light snow showers across the area this morning will continue through this afternoon. Light accumulations up to one inch of new snow expected. Our next weather system will reach the area late Tuesday night for Wednesday, bringing snow that will change over to a wintry mix or rain for most. All areas will get a couple inches of snow by or during the Wednesday morning commute. Some portions of Northwest Ohio may stay all snow on Wednesday and snowfall totals will be greatest there.
right in the middle of it!
Light snow overspreads the area today, producing 2-3" of snow areawide. Additional lake effect snow of 1-2" tonight for the snowbelt is expected.
SNOW HAS BEEN MUCH HEAVIER THAN EXPECTED, HIGHER TOTALS:
The snow has been much heavier than anticipated so far today with rates up to 1" per hour in the heaviest bands. As such, 2-3" of snow has already fallen across many areas. Therefore, storm total accumulations of 3-6" are now expected across the region through tomorrow morning with isolated amounts up to 7" possible. Use extra caution if out traveling today!
If you must go out today, PLEASE allow yourself some extra travel time throughout the day as the roads are snow covered and possibly slick in some areas.
Just a reminder to make sure that you clear all the snow and ice off your vehicles before driving. Make sure you clear off all windows as well as your headlights and brake-lights. You could receive a ticket for driving with an obstructive view if your vehicle is not cleared off.
Remember to allow yourself some extra travel time when the weather conditions change to snow & ice.
If you don't have to go out in this weather, don't!
Stay Warm! Stay Safe!
Sheriff Fatheree has issued a LEVEL 1 SNOW EMERGENCY ADVISORY for Summit County. Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow and may be icy. Motorists are urged to drive cautiously.
Light snow overspreads the area today, producing 2-3" of snow areawide. Additional lake effect snow of 1-2" tonight for the snowbelt is expected.
Tick, tick, tick, BOOM! #
Are you kidding!?!?
Saturday Safety: we hate to be the bearer of bad news, but with the warmer weather last week, they are out. Ranger Rebecca found a tick on herself this past Monday. Always check pets and yourself over after being in brushy areas. CDC image
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Start the new year off by downloading Sparky's smoke alarm safety sheet. Hang it up in your house to remind you and your family to test your smoke alarm every month. http://nfpa.social/z1O150Mt0MG
Photos from Sparky The Fire Dog's post
Staying’ alive!
Hands-Only CPR Can Save Lives. Most people who experience cardiac arrest at home, work or in a public location die because they don't receive immediate CPR f...
Portage County Office Of Homeland Security And Emergency Management 8240 Infirma
Ravenna, OH
44266
| Monday | 8am - 4:30pm |
| Tuesday | 8am - 4:30pm |
| Wednesday | 8am - 4:30pm |
| Thursday | 8am - 4:30pm |
| Friday | 8am - 4:30pm |
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We have a FILLABLE form for that! Makes it even easier to have all of the emergency information in one place. Great to create the plan with other family members, too. Children, seniors and pets in mind. Then it's time to practice. It's awesome when you undertake this important task for your family. A great way to spend National Preparedness Month! Thank you, #PortageCountyOH! #PortagePrepares #NPM2022 #lastinglegacy #beready
DID YOU KNOW? ABOUT LIGHTNING... We're lasering in on lightning today, Day 5 of Ohio's #SevereWeatherAwarenessWeek 2022! Because human beings are terrestrial and most of their possessions are on the Earth where lightning can damage or destroy them, cloud-to-ground (CG) lightning is the most studied and best understood of the three types, even though in-cloud (IC) and cloud-to-cloud (CC) are more common types of lightning. Lightning's relative unpredictability limits a complete explanation of how or why it occurs, even after hundreds of years of scientific investigation. About 70% of lightning occurs over land in the tropics[25] where atmospheric convection is the greatest. (Thank you Wikipedia!) Lightning: What You Need to Know ⚡️NO PLACE outside is safe when thunderstorms are in the area!! ⚡️If you hear thunder, lightning is close enough to strike you. ⚡️When you hear thunder, immediately move to safe shelter: a substantial building with electricity or plumbing or an enclosed, metal-topped vehicle with windows up. ⚡️Stay in safe shelter at least 30 minutes after you hear the last sound of thunder. Indoor Lightning Safety ⚡️Stay off corded phones, computers and other electrical equipment that put you in direct contact with electricity. ⚡️Avoid plumbing, including sinks, baths and faucets. ⚡️Stay away from windows and doors, and stay off porches. ⚡️Do not lie on concrete floors, and do not lean against concrete walls. Last Resort Outdoor Risk Reduction Tips ️If you are caught outside with no safe shelter anywhere nearby the following actions may reduce your risk: ⚡️Immediately get off elevated areas such as hills, mountain ridges or peaks ⚡️Never lie flat on the ground ⚡️Never shelter under an isolated tree ⚡️Never use a cliff or rocky overhang for shelter ⚡️Immediately get out and away from ponds, lakes and other bodies of water ⚡️Stay away from objects that conduct electricity (barbed wire fences, power
Heads up #PortageCountyOH! As a part of #SevereWeatherAwarenessWeek, TOMORROW, March 23rd at 9:50 AM is the State Wide Tornado Drill. Be sure to practice your tornado drill in your homes, office space, or anywhere you may be when a #tornado may strike. Within #PortageCountyOH you can find tornado outdoor warning sirens in Paris Township, Deerfield Township, the City of Aurora, the City of Ravenna, and Kent State University. Check out this short video we put together with the help of our partners over at the Portage County Sheriff's Office! How do you remember the differences between a #TornadoWatch vs a #TornadoWarning? Tell us over at #PortagePrepares in the comments down below! US National Weather Service Cleveland OH Ohio Emergency Management Agency
DAY 2 of #SevereWeatherAwarenessWeek in Ohio! Today we focus on what to do before, during and after a severe #thunderstorm. Thunderstorms are dangerous and include lightning. They can create or cause powerful winds over 50 mph, hail and flash flooding and/or tornadoes. What to do when you sense a storm coming on? ALWAYS REMEMBER TO FIND SHELTER IF THERE IS A THUNDERSTORM WARNING. 🟥 When thunder roars, go indoors! Move from outdoors into a building or car with a roof. 🟥 Pay attention to alerts and warnings. 🟥 Avoid using electronic devices connected to an electrical outlet. 🟥 Avoid running water. 🟥 Turn Around. Don’t Drown! Do not drive through flooded roadways. Just six inches of fast-moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away. What if you are outside? 🟥 If boating or swimming, get to land and find a sturdy, grounded shelter or vehicle immediately. 🟥 If necessary, take shelter in a car with a metal top and sides. Do not touch anything metal. Here is an information sheet you can download to share with family as you make your emergency plans and building your home emergency kit: ready.gov/sites/default/files/2020-03/thunderstorm-information-sheet.pdf #PortageCountyOH #PortagePrepares #severeweathersafety #severestormsafety #WhenThunderRoarsGoIndoors #TurnAroundDontDrown
Hey there, #PortageCountyOH! Did someone say #WarmWeather? With temperatures increasing, keep in mind that the temperature of the water is following slowly behind. With the help of the Portage County Sheriff's Office and the Portage County Water Rescue Team, #PortagePrepares was able to put together this short video about the dangers of cold water. Portage County Safety Council Portage Park District City of Kent Fire Department Ohio Emergency Management Agency Ohio Department of Natural Resources Aurora Chamber of Commerce, Ohio Streetsboro Area Chamber of Commerce Kent Area Chamber of Commerce Ravenna Chamber of Commerce
With severe weather season right around the corner, it is likely that #PortageCountyOH homes will see some damage. #DidYouKnow that you can report storm damage directly to our office? Check out this video from our Deputy Director, Brett Lee to learn how! Head over to our website at https://www.portagecounty-oh.gov/homeland-security-emergency-management for additional information.
Get ready, #PortageCountyOH! As a part of our new virtual tabletop exercise series, today we are covering a #WinterStormWarning. Check out the video below for the scenario and let us know in the comments what you would do. “Your family has settled down for dinner. A family member mentions that a Winter Storm Warning has been issued for Portage County. You look out of the window to see snow covering the ground. You know that recently temperatures have been below freezing. Another family member heads to the pantry and notices there is enough food for one day, but not enough to be snowed in. Then suddenly, the power goes out.” Portage County Safety Council Ravenna Area Chamber of Commerce Streetsboro Area Chamber of Commerce Kent Area Chamber of Commerce
Good morning #PortageCountyOH! The Portage County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management is kicking off a new series of virtual tabletop exercises here on #PortagePrepares. Comment down below what kind of scenarios you would like to see in the future!🌪⛈☃️🔥☀️
Come out and join us at Rootstown high school !
NATIONAL LIGHTNING SAFETY AWARENESS WEEK IN OHIO ~ JUNE 20-26 In an annual coordinated effort with the US National Weather Service Cleveland OH, the OH Weather Awareness and #PortagePrepares are promoting June 20-26 as National Lightning Safety Awareness Week and encourage all Ohioans to know what to do before, during, and after thunderstorms. When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors! According to the NWS, every year in the United States, there are approximately 25 million cloud-to-ground lightning flashes, and roughly 300 people a year are struck by lightning. Of those struck, an average of twenty people are killed, and others may suffer lifelong disabilities. The NWS, Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness (OCSWA) and Portage Prepares encourage Ohioans to have an emergency plan for not only severe thunderstorms, but for all weather hazards. All Ohioans are encouraged to follow the noted safety precautions: ⚡Make listening or reading weather reports a part of planning your day. If the weather forecast calls for thunderstorms, you may need to postpone your trip or outdoor activity. ⚡Know the difference between a Thunderstorm Watch and a Thunderstorm Warning. ⚡“When thunder roars, go indoors!” Stop outdoor activities and seek a safe, enclosed shelter immediundeately. This includes all water activities. ⚡Remember the 30-30 Rule. After observing lightning, start counting to 30. If you hear thunder before reaching 30, go indoors. Suspend outdoor activities for at least 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder. ⚡If shelter from the storm is not available, crouch down low, with as little of your body touching the ground as possible. Lighting can cause electric currents along the top of the ground that can be deadly up to, and exceeding, 100 feet away. OCSWA is comprised of 16 agencies and organizations that are dedicated to teaching Ohioans severe weather safety and preparedness. #PortageCountyOH
The #PortageCountyOH Emergency Management App has a new COVID-19 feature...updated scientific and medical information from the CDC, local news and resources, FAQs, CDC alerts and more! Download the app for free at the iPhone App Store and Google+ for Androids. With the FREE app, you also receive weather alerts and can access EMA social media, local weather, weather radio and traffic. It has a section with contact information for local safety forces. You can also put your family emergency plan at the app and get helpful preparedness info. One more way you can be prepared! #PortagePrepares #COVID19 #COVID19OhioReady
Is it hailing where you are? #PortagePrepares
Wishes that good #weather follows you and yours today and throughout the coming year! Happy holidays. 🎄 From the staff at the #PortageCountyOH Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management and #PortagePrepares.
Traveling N on I-71... Remnants of #Flo #Florence #Firenza have arrived in Ohio! US National Weather Service Cleveland OH #PortagePrepares #ohwx
#PrepareNow because it's supposed to be another hot one today! Make sure you are drinking water, staying out of the sun, and keeping cool the best you can.😀 🐪 #hydrate #NatlPrep
Right outside the Health & Safety trailer with the Portage County Health Department. We're demoing tornados is a bottle. Come find us on Freedom Street at the #RandolphFair16. We're next to Maplewood Career Center. #PortagePrepares
Carter meets up with his friends at Ravenna Police Department during the #RavennaCruiseIn.
Thanks, Streetsboro Fire Department, for the great safety tips. Here's another way to enjoy fireworks! Happy Independence Day, Portage County!
Streetsboro Area Chamber of Commerce
State Route, StreetsboroKent US Army Recruiting Center
E. Main Street, KentKent State Graduate Student Senate
E Summit Street, KentNational Alliance on Mental Illness Portage C
E Main Street, KentAurora Chamber of Commerce, Ohio
E. Garfield Road, Aurora
Portage County Ohio Board of Elections
S. Meridian Street
Portage County Regional Planning Commission
S Meridian Street
Charlestown Historical Society
Rock Spring Road
Portage County Dog Warden's Office and Shelte
Infirmary Road
Portage Metropolitan Housing Authority
State Route 59
Portage County Soil & Water Conservation Dist
State Route 88
Portage County Job and Family Services
S Meridian Street