Safer Places Initiative The Calhoun County EMA has implemented a county-wide initiative called Safer Places. The purpose of Safer Places is for willing organizations to make pre-designated facilities available to the public during times of severe weather, including high wind, tornadoes, and periods of extreme heat or cold, as needed. The initiative is an alternative during hazardous weather for organizations in the community to provide safer shelter for citizens to seek refuge in a safer place than a motor vehicle, manufactured home, or other type of lightly constructed structure. The framework of recommendations for a Safer Place to meet include: 1) Availability of personnel to be responsible for opening and staffing the Safer Place 2) Accessibility for the public, including vehicle parking and handicap entrance 3) Architecturally sturdy and substantial structure, preferably with a basement or interior walls away from windows and doors. Organizations and facilities in Calhoun County interested in learning more about becoming a part of the Safer Places initiative can click the button below to register or for more information can call the Emergency Management Agency at: 256-435-0540. Click the button below if you are interested in being a Safer Place partner! Safer Places Registration

Being Prepared on the Go Being Prepared at Work: Talk with your employer about emergency plans for your workplace. If your employer offers an emergency alert or notification system, make sure you are signed up to receive information. Consider keeping a lightweight emergency kit at work. This could include things like extra medications, a change of clothing, as well as a few snacks for those days you miss lunch--or if you get stuck in your office overnight, such as has what might happen in an unexpected ice storm. Being Prepared in Your Car: Your kit doesn't have to be a large or expensive. Many of us have all these items in our home already but scattered about. Vehicle Emergency Kit: Jumper cables Flashlights and extra batteries First aid kit and necessary medications in case you are away from home for a prolonged time Food items containing protein such as nuts and energy bars; canned fruit and a portable can opener Water fro each person and pet in your car -- Keeping a case of bottled water in your vehicle is a good idea AM/FM radio to listen to traffic reports and emergency messages Cat litter or sand for better tire traction Small shovel Ice scraper Warm clothing, gloves, hat, sturdy boots, and jacket Blankets or sleeping bags A fully-charged cell phone or phone charger Flares or reflective triangle Baby formula and diapers if you have a small child Be prepared for an emergency by keeping your gas tank at least half full. If you find yourself stranded, be safe and stay in your car. Turn on your your flashers. Call for help and wait in or near the vehilce until help arrives. It is much easier for responders to find a vehicle than a person who has walked away from the vehicle.

Severe Thunderstorms What is a severe thunderstorm? Severe thunderstorms are defined as thunderstorms that produce one inch hail or larger and or strong wind gusts of 58 miles per hour or greater. Severe Thunderstorm Watch vs. Severe Thunderstorm Warning A severe thunderstorm watch may be issued by the National Weather Service when conditions are favorable for the development of thunderstorms. A severe thunderstorm warning is issued by the National Weather Service when either a severe thunderstorm is occurring, has been detected by National Weather Service Doppler Radar, or a reliable report has been received. Persons in the warned area should take immediate action to protect their lives, lives of others, and their property. Tornadoes can and occasionally do accompany severe thunderstorms. Treat this warning the same as you would for a Tornado Warning by taking the proper safety precautions. How can I prepare for severe thunderstorms? Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall on you or your home and cause injury or damage during a severe thunderstorm. Secure any outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage (garbage cans, etc.). Shutter windows and secure outside doors. If shutters are not available, close window blinds, shades or curtains. This will help stop glass from flying through the room in case a window is broken. What about lightning? Lightning is deadly. It can strike far away from a thunderstorm. It does not have to be raining at your location. You should take personal responsibility for the safety of yourself and your family when lightning is a threat. DO NOT allow children to practice sports or play outside when lightning is possible. Remember the 30/30 Lightning Safety Rule: Go inside if, after seeing lightning flash, you cannot count to 30 before hearing thunder. Stay inside for at least 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder.

Apply Now What to Expect How to Appeal FREE LEGAL HELP Tax Relief due to Storms Unemployment Assistance DOWNLOAD INFO HERE DISASTER ASSISTANCE INFORMATION Tips for Applying 1. Have social security # 2. Insurance policy info. 3. Bank account info. 4. Detail of damages- photos are helpful 5. Address & phone # 6. Annual income info Application Checklist > What to Expect After Applying Within 10 days of applying a FEMA inspector will call to ask about your disaster damage. Within 10 days of the inspector call you should receive a decision letter. Download Graphic here > When writing an appeal letter: 1. Must be filed in a paper letter within 60 days 2. Explain why you disagree with the decision 3. Include: full name, DOB & address 4. Include your 9 digit FEMA # 5. Include FEMA Declaration # (DR-4596-AL) 6. Include you or your co-applicant signature 7. Not willing to relocate or move 8. Application may be incomplete 9. FEMA requesting more information What to Expect Need to Appeal STAY CONNECTED Youtube See a collection of our latest PSAs and Press Conferences. Facebook Find all of our recents posts and LIVE videos here! X Follow us on X (formerly Twitter) for the latest news! Instagram Visually see what the EMA does on a daily basis! Dialing 2-1-1 connects you to a trained operator 24/7 that has access to a comprehensive database with a multitude of services in your community.

Animals & Pets Preparedness Animal Click the links below for more information about animal preparedness. For more information, visit https://www.ready.gov/pets

Step 1: Empower employees and volunteers with preparedness information: Organization all-hazards plan Organization continuity of operations plan Personal preparedness information Step 2: Encourage employees and volunteers to: Sign up for Calhoun Alerts by texting JOIN CALHOUNEMA to 31002 Build self-go-bags Step 3: Host or participate in an emergency preparedness event CLICK HERE to go to the next Readiness Phase: Test

Prepare for the Worst Work Towards the Best Below are various training opportunities through local, state, and federal resources. If you you have any specific questions please email drandle@calhounema.org ARTC Training Calendar Download Here Check back for page to be updated with more training opportunities in the near future.

COURSE OVERVIEW: The Calhoun County Emergency Management Agency, Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce, and Jacksonville State University's Continuing Education and Outreach have partnered together to bring local businesses the Ready Business Workshop Series. Participation in this training will assist business owners and managers in identifying risks, developing plans, and taking decisive action to better prepare their employees and facilities for emergencies and disasters. Through the Ready Business Workshop Series attendees will get to hear from subject matter experts on a number of topics such as: Cyber Security, Active Shooter Response, Crisis Communications, Severe Weather Threats, Business Continuity, and other preparedness topics important to your business. Upon successful completion, participants will receive 1.2 CEU or 12 contact hours through Jacksonville State University's Department of Continuing Education. Businesses and their staff face a variety of hazards: Natural hazards like floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes. Health hazards such as widespread and serious illnesses like the flu. Human-caused hazards including accidents and acts of violence. Technology-related hazards like power outages and equipment failure. There is much that a business leader can do to prepare his or her organization for the most likely hazards. Please click the links below to see the detailed agenda and to register for this critical preparedness opportunity available in Calhoun County. Agenda Registration

Step 1: Conduct and document exercises or drills with employees and volunteers participating for all hazards response to: Emergency Medical Severe Thunderstorms Tornadoes Floods Winter Weather Heat Waves Active Shooter Cybersecurity Step 2: Schedule date and time for program evaluation by Emergency Management Officer Step 3: Conduct and document annual/monthly exercises or drills with employees and volunteers participating. CLICK HERE to return to Preparedness Partners page

The goal of the Calhoun County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) is to protect the health, safety, and economic interests of the residents of Calhoun County from the impacts of natural and man-made hazards. The EMA is responsible for coordinating with other local, state, and federal agencies before, ABOUT CALHOUN COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (EMA) The Calhoun County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) is tasked with protecting the citizens of Calhoun County from natural and man-made disasters. Our team is made up of highly-trained and experienced professionals who are committed to providing the highest level of emergency preparedness and response services. OUR PURPOSE: At Calhoun County EMA, we take a proactive approach to emergency management. Our primary purpose is to identify potential hazards, develop comprehensive plans, and execute efficient responses in times of crisis. We collaborate closely with local, state, and federal agencies, as well as community partners, to ensure a unified and effective approach to disaster preparedness and recovery. OUR TEAM: Myles Chamblee , Director David Randle , Deputy Director Baylee Pope , Emergency Management Officer Rachel Letkiewicz , Emergency Management Officer What does the EMA do? We provide information and resources to protect lives and property during a disaster . When first responders need extra help in an emergency, they call the EMA, similar to how citizens call 9-1-1 when they have an emergency. We do outreach and training by working with the media and using social media to help the public prepare for emergencies. During an emergency, we notify the public by using outdoor warning sirens, the Emergency Alert System (EAS), and by working with news media and social media. When a disaster happens, the Calhoun County EMA is ready to respond. Our agency hosts the county's Emergency Operation Center (EOC). The EOC is the central coordination hub during major incidents. We develop emergency plans to help the whole community prepare for and respond to disasters . We recruit volunteers and provide training to help local groups like churches and disaster relief organizations work together with first responders. We work with FEMA and Homeland Security to make sure local responders have access to the best training available. We put together emergency drills and exercises so that local agencies can test their emergency plans. In an emergency, we are the link between the county, the state, and FEMA . We work with partners like the National Weather Service to keep the community informed about hazards, how to prepare for them, and what actions to take during an emergency. We help local organizations access resources from outside the county through mutual aid agreements and the Alabama EMA. After a disaster, we work with FEMA to survey damage and help affected local residents access disaster assistance. OUR VISION: We envision a resilient Calhoun County where the impacts of emergencies are minimized through preparedness, collaboration, and community engagement. By fostering a culture of preparedness and responsiveness, we aim to create a safer environment for all residents. We strive to be the premier county emergency management agency in Alabama. The Calhoun County EMA is here to SERVE you!

To view the meeting minutes from the most recent Calhoun County LEPC meeting, click here . The purpose of a Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) is to enhance community preparedness, response, and recovery efforts in the face of potential hazards, emergencies, and disasters. LEPCs are established at the local level as mandated by the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) in the United States. Their main objectives include: Hazard Identification and Planning : LEPCs identify potential hazards and risks that the community may face, ranging from natural disasters like hurricanes and earthquakes to man-made incidents like chemical spills or industrial accidents. This information forms the basis for creating emergency response plans tailored to the specific needs of the community. Emergency Preparedness : LEPCs work to develop and maintain comprehensive emergency response plans that outline specific actions to be taken in various emergency scenarios. These plans involve collaboration among local government agencies, first responders, public health officials, private sector representatives, and community organizations. Community Education and Outreach : LEPCs promote public awareness and education about potential hazards in the community. They provide information to residents, businesses, and organizations on how to prepare for emergencies, reduce risks, and respond effectively when disaster strikes. Public Involvement : LEPCs engage with the community to gather input, address concerns, and involve citizens in the emergency planning process. Public participation ensures that emergency plans and strategies reflect the needs and priorities of the local population. Training and Exercises : LEPCs organize training sessions and emergency drills to enhance the readiness of emergency responders, public officials, and community members. Regular exercises help test the effectiveness of emergency plans and identify areas for improvement. Chemical Reporting and Right-to-Know : EPCRA mandates that LEPCs oversee the reporting of hazardous chemicals stored or used within the community. They ensure that facilities comply with reporting requirements and that information is accessible to the public through the Hazardous Materials Safety Data Sheets (SDS). Continuous Improvement : LEPCs regularly review and update emergency plans and procedures based on lessons learned from past incidents, changes in the community's demographics, and advancements in emergency management practices. In summary, a Local Emergency Planning Committee plays a vital role in creating a safer and more resilient community by bringing together diverse stakeholders to collaboratively plan for, respond to, and recover from emergencies and disasters.