Clark County Emergency Management Agency, Ohio

10/19/2026

⚠️ FEMA INDIVIDUAL ASSISTANCE UPDATE – CLARK COUNTY
October 19, 2026

We want to provide another update to Clark County residents regarding the FEMA Individual Assistance declaration following the August 11, 2026, severe weather.

On October 2, a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration approved Individual Assistance for 7 of the 23 Ohio counties included in the State's request. Clark County was not among those initially approved.

As of today, October 19, Clark County is still awaiting an official determination regarding Individual Assistance.

We understand that residents impacted by the storms have questions and are looking for answers. Unfortunately, we do not have any additional information to share regarding when a decision will be made for the remaining counties.

It is important to understand that Clark County has not received a final denial based on the information currently available to us. Our county remains in a waiting status.

What does this mean for residents?

Because Clark County has not been designated for Individual Assistance, residents should NOT apply for FEMA Individual Assistance for this disaster at this time.

If Clark County receives a designation, we will share information about the application process, eligibility requirements, deadlines, and available resources.

Clark County Emergency Management Agency continues to communicate with the Ohio Emergency Management Agency regarding the status of our county. We recognize the frustration that comes with waiting, especially for residents who are still dealing with the impacts of the storms.

We will continue to provide updates as official information becomes available. We appreciate your patience and encourage residents to follow Clark County EMA for accurate information.

📍 CURRENT STATUS: CLARK COUNTY – AWAITING FEMA INDIVIDUAL ASSISTANCE DETERMINATION

Clark County Emergency Management Agency
October 19, 2026

10/19/2026

Information Sharing only: JOSHUA ALERT

Americus Phillips

Latest alert issued: 10/19/2026

Missing since: 10/19/2026

Location: Montgomery

Description: On 10/19/2026 1:15 PM, the Dayton Police Department is issuing a Joshua Alert for a missing 16-year-old white female, Americus Phillips. Americus was last seen on October 19, 2026, in Dayton, Ohio. She was last seen wearing blue leggings, a white sweater, a tan jacket, a black shirt, black boots and wearing glasses. Americus is high-functioning Autistic and law enforcement is concerned for her safety. If you see Americus, call 911 or the Dayton Police Department at (937) 333-1070.

Alerting law enforcement, the media and the general public when an endangered child or endangered adult goes missing is a crucial part of missing person investigations.

10/15/2026

Plan ahead for this weekend. Information sharing only.

10/06/2026

⚠️ FEMA INDIVIDUAL ASSISTANCE UPDATE – CLARK COUNTY

Late Friday, a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for Individual Assistance was approved for 7 of the 23 Ohio counties included in the State’s request following the August severe weather.

Clark County was not included in the initial declaration.

At this time, Clark County is still awaiting a determination regarding Individual Assistance. We continue to work with the Ohio Emergency Management Agency and are awaiting additional information regarding the status of counties not included in the initial designation.

Because Clark County has not been designated for Individual Assistance, residents should NOT apply for FEMA assistance at this time.

Not being included in the initial declaration does not mean Clark County has received a final denial. We will provide additional information as soon as we receive an official update regarding our county’s status.

If Clark County is designated for Individual Assistance, Clark County EMA will provide clear information regarding how to apply, application deadlines, eligibility requirements, and available resources.

We appreciate the community’s patience as this process continues. Please continue to follow Clark County Emergency Management Agency for verified updates.

Current Status: Clark County – Awaiting Individual Assistance Determination

09/21/2026

❄️ Winter is on its way, and planning is already underway in our community.

We’re sharing an opportunity from Nehemiah as they prepare to support our unsheltered neighbors during the cold winter months.

Nehemiah is currently looking for 5 downtown-area churches willing to serve as daytime warming centers, as well as 2 supporting churches that can assist with volunteers, meals and donation coordination.

Participating churches can determine what works for their own congregation, including how many guests they can accommodate, when they are able to activate, and what hours they can provide between 8 AM and 5 PM. Nehemiah will provide training, guidance, starter supplies and ongoing support throughout the winter.

This is a great example of organizations planning before the temperatures drop and working together to meet a community need.

If your church may be able to help, or you know a congregation that could be a good partner, please share this information with them.

➡️ Interested churches should contact Bruce at [email protected] by October 2.

Please help us spread the word by sharing this post with churches and faith leaders throughout our community. 💙❄️

09/21/2026

FEMA and the Federal Communications Commission will test the Emergency Alert System nationwide on Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2026, around 2:20 p.m. ET.

What to expect:
• Radio and TV programs will pause for about 1 minute to show the test message.
• You may hear the standard EAS tones.
• The message may be in English, Spanish, or both.
• Cell phones will not receive this test.
• No action is needed.

These tests help ensure emergency alerts work when they matter most.

Learn more: fema.gov/2026-national-test

09/21/2026

9-21-26

No new update! Still waiting on President Trump to make a determination if we are eligible.

📢 Clark County Severe Weather Recovery Update | September 3, 2026

We have another important update regarding the August severe weather and tornadoes and the disaster declaration process.

✅ Steps 1–4 are now complete.

On September 2, Governor Mike DeWine submitted a request to the President for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for Ohio, including Clark County among 23 counties impacted by severe storms, flooding, straight-line winds, and tornadoes.

➡️ We are now in Step 5: Presidential Decision.

The request includes FEMA Individual Assistance, which, if approved and Clark County is designated, could provide eligible residents with assistance such as temporary housing, home repairs, rental assistance, replacement of certain personal property, crisis counseling, disaster unemployment assistance, and other recovery programs.

Important: FEMA Individual Assistance is not available yet. Residents should not attempt to apply at this time. We must first receive a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration and Clark County must be specifically designated for Individual Assistance.

🛠️ CLEANUP UPDATE: Team Rubicon is currently in our area assisting with storm recovery. If you previously registered for assistance through Crisis Cleanup, Team Rubicon or another participating organization should be reaching out as resources become available. Assistance is not guaranteed and response times may vary.

We know many residents are waiting for answers about what assistance may become available. Clark County EMA will continue to share information as soon as we receive it. Please continue to follow our page for official updates.

Current Status:
✅ Local Damage Assessment
✅ State Review
✅ State/FEMA Assessment
✅ Governor's Request
🔵 Presidential Decision — IN PROGRESS
⏳ Clark County Individual Assistance Designation — PENDING

09/10/2026

September 11, 2001, | 25 Years Later 🇺🇸

Twenty-five years ago, our nation experienced a day that changed us forever.

Today, we remember the 2,977 lives lost, the families who never had the chance to say goodbye, and the firefighters, law enforcement officers, EMS personnel, dispatchers, emergency managers, military members, and everyday citizens who stepped forward to help others.

As an Emergency Management Director and former first responder, September 11 has always carried a special meaning for me. It is a reminder of why preparedness matters, why relationships between agencies matter, and most importantly, why taking care of our communities matters.

I also think about September 12. We were simply Americans. Neighbors helped neighbors. Strangers helped strangers. People showed up for one another without being asked. Twenty-five years later, I hope we never lose sight of that.

“Preparedness is about more than having a plan. It is about building relationships, serving others, and creating a community that is ready to stand together when it matters most. September 11 showed us the very best of people during the very worst of circumstances. Twenty-five years later, that spirit of service should continue to inspire all of us.”
Michelle Clements-Pitstick, Director
Clark County Emergency Management Agency

The lessons of September 11 continue to shape emergency management and public safety today. We plan, train, prepare, and build partnerships because when the worst happens, we have to be ready to stand together and serve our communities.

Today we remember those we lost, honor those who answered the call, and thank those who continue to serve.

25 years later, we still remember. We will never forget. 🇺🇸

September 11, 2001, | September 11, 2026

09/10/2026

Update as of 9/10/26:

No new or additional information has been shared locally.

📢 Clark County Severe Weather Recovery Update | September 3, 2026

We have another important update regarding the August severe weather and tornadoes and the disaster declaration process.

✅ Steps 1–4 are now complete.

On September 2, Governor Mike DeWine submitted a request to the President for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for Ohio, including Clark County among 23 counties impacted by severe storms, flooding, straight-line winds, and tornadoes.

➡️ We are now in Step 5: Presidential Decision.

The request includes FEMA Individual Assistance, which, if approved and Clark County is designated, could provide eligible residents with assistance such as temporary housing, home repairs, rental assistance, replacement of certain personal property, crisis counseling, disaster unemployment assistance, and other recovery programs.

Important: FEMA Individual Assistance is not available yet. Residents should not attempt to apply at this time. We must first receive a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration and Clark County must be specifically designated for Individual Assistance.

🛠️ CLEANUP UPDATE: Team Rubicon is currently in our area assisting with storm recovery. If you previously registered for assistance through Crisis Cleanup, Team Rubicon or another participating organization should be reaching out as resources become available. Assistance is not guaranteed and response times may vary.

We know many residents are waiting for answers about what assistance may become available. Clark County EMA will continue to share information as soon as we receive it. Please continue to follow our page for official updates.

Current Status:
✅ Local Damage Assessment
✅ State Review
✅ State/FEMA Assessment
✅ Governor's Request
🔵 Presidential Decision — IN PROGRESS
⏳ Clark County Individual Assistance Designation — PENDING

09/09/2026

September 9, 2026

Clark County Commissioners Recognize September as Emergency Preparedness Month

CLARK COUNTY, OHIO — The Clark County Board of Commissioners has officially recognized September as Emergency Preparedness Month, joining communities across Ohio in encouraging residents, families, businesses, and organizations to take steps to prepare before an emergency occurs.

Emergency Preparedness Month serves as an important reminder that disasters can happen with little or no warning. From severe storms and tornadoes to flooding, extended power outages, hazardous materials incidents, and other emergencies, preparedness begins long before the first warning is issued.

This year’s Ohio Preparedness Month theme, “Prepare Your Family,” encourages residents to consider the unique needs of their households and take simple steps to become better prepared.

“Preparedness is not about being afraid of what might happen. It is about knowing what you will do when something does happen,” said Michelle Clements-Pitstick, Director of the Clark County Emergency Management Agency. “We have seen firsthand this year how quickly severe weather, flooding, tornadoes, and other emergencies can impact our community. Having a plan, knowing how you will receive emergency information, and talking with your family before an emergency can make a tremendous difference when every minute matters.”

Throughout September, Clark County EMA encourages residents to:

Make and practice a family emergency plan.
Build or update an emergency supply kit.
Know how family members will communicate if separated.
Plan for children, older adults, individuals with access and functional needs, and pets.
Know multiple ways to receive trusted emergency alerts and warnings.
Talk with family members about where to go and what to do during different types of emergencies.

Emergency preparedness is a shared responsibility. Clark County EMA works throughout the year alongside first responders, public safety agencies, local governments, schools, healthcare organizations, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and community partners to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies.

Preparedness starts before the emergency. Take time this September to prepare your family.