Russell County Kansas Emergency Management

Russell County Kansas Emergency Management This page is NOT monitored 24/7. For emergencies, call 911. For general information, call 785-483-7200. Preparedness. Response. Recovery. Mitigation.

08/25/2026

Slight Risk of Severe Storms Today

08/20/2026

School is starting, and hopefully cooler temperatures are just around the corner! 🍂 As we head into the “Ber” months, spooky season is upon us—and what goes better with spooky season than bats? 🦇
This time of year, we may begin to see and hear about more encounters between bats and people. While bats play an important role in our ecosystem, it’s important to know what to do if you come into contact with one and understand the potential risks of exposure.
We’re sharing some helpful information on what to do, how to safely handle a bat, and when you should be concerned about possible exposure.
🦇 Know the risks. Know what to do. Stay safe this spooky season! See less

Learn about flood risk for Russell County and communities! Get your flood risk and flood insurance questions answered li...
08/20/2026

Learn about flood risk for Russell County and communities! Get your flood risk and flood insurance questions answered live by the Kansas Department of Agriculture Division of Water Resources. Join the Open House on September 17, 2026, any time from 2 to 6 PM at the South Room of the 4-H Building at 702 Fairway Drive, Russell, Kansas. Learn more at https://gis2.kda.ks.gov/gis/russell/

08/20/2026

A Marginal Risk (level 1 of 5) for severe weather is in place for today across central and southwest Kansas. The chances for storms actually occurring are low, given forecast guidance is also uncertain. So confidence is low, but if storms can develop, they could be severe.

08/20/2026

Been quite the busy week at RGFD.. on 8-12-26 RGFD was paged out for vehicle fire on interstate. Crews responded and contents were considered a total loss. We want to thank Gorham Fire District #1 for their help with mutual aid

On 8-14-26 RGFD was paged out for the report of hay bales on fire. Crews again responded and the bales were extinguished.

Lastly today, RGFD was paged out for the report of a structure fire with a possible subject trapped. The subject was able to exit the residence safely. Cause of the fire is unknown at this time. We want to thank City of Russell Fire Department for their help with mutual aid.

We’re all tired after all these calls, but as always trucks and our guys are always ready to go. And through great mutual aid partnerships, extra personnel especially with the heat keeps everyone safe.

08/18/2026

There is a Slight Risk for severe thunderstorms north and east of Hays tonight. There is also a Marginal Risk for isolated to widely scattered severe thunderstorms as far south/southwest as Garden City, Dodge City and Pratt. The main hazards from these storms will be wind gusts of 65 mph and quarter size hail.

08/18/2026

Afternoon highs will reach into the upper 90s to lower 100s for much of the area. Heat indices will exceed 100 degrees areawide. Be sure to take heat precautions if outdoors this afternoon.

08/18/2026

Rain and storm chances are possible both tonight and Wednesday night. Near normal temperatures are expected through the end of the week.

08/13/2026

The Russell County Highway Department will begin chip sealing a portion of Highway 40, starting at the Ellis County line, and working east to the Russell city limits, beginning the week of August 17, 2026. Portable traffic signal lights and pilot cars will be utilized to direct traffic through the work zone. Motorists will experience delays, fresh oil and chip rock. It is recommended that motorists plan an alternate route if possible. Please slow down in work zones, obey signage and drive without distraction. Our workers are our families, let’s keep them safe.

For questions or concerns, please contact Justin Mermis, Public Works Director, at 785-483-4032.

08/13/2026

Afternoon and early evening heat indices will be in the 102 to 110 degree range for both today and Friday. Be sure to limit outdoor activities and drink plenty of water.

Address

401 North Main Street
Russell, KS
67665

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