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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.

CYBERSECURITY PREPAREDNESS Staying Safe in a Digital World #BeCyberSmart RESOURCES Cybersecurity PDF Get the conversation started about cybersecurity with this simple PDF on Cyber Safety. FEMA Cybersecurity PDF Protect yourself against cyberattacks through prevention and preparation. Stay Safe Online Basics Learn some basic tips for cyber safety from the National Cybersecurity Alliance. WHAT IS cyber security? Cybersecurity involves preventing, detecting, and responding to cyberattacks that can have wide ranging effects on the individual, organizations, the community, and at the national level. Cyber attacks are malicious attempts to access or damage a computer system. Cyber attacks can lead to loss of money, theft of personal information, and damage to your reputation and safety. Cyber attacks are malicious attempts to access or damage a computer system. Ways you can stay safe online: Lock Down Your Login Your usernames and passwords are not enough to protect key accounts like email, banking and social media. Strengthen online accounts and use strong authentication tools- like bio-metrics, security keys or a unique, one-time code through an app on your mobile device. Keep A Clean Machine Keep all software on internet-connected devices- including personal computers, smartphones and tablets- current to reduce risk of infection from ransomware and malware. When In Doubt, Thrown It Out Links in emails, tweets, posts and online advertising are often how cyber-criminals try to compromise your information. If it looks suspicious, even if you know the source, it's best to delete or, if appropriate, mark it as junk. Back It Up Protect your valuable work, music, photos and other digital information by making an electronic copy and storing it safely. If you have a copy of your data and your device fall victim to ransomware or other cyber threats, you will be able to restore the data from a backup. Share With Care Think before posting about yourself and others online. Consider what a post reveals, who might see it and how it might affect you or others. Personal Information Is Like Money. Value It. Protect It. Information about you, such as purchase history or location, has value- just like money. Be thoughtful about who gets that information and how it is collected by apps, websites and all connected devices. Online Safety Basics Spam and Phishing Cybercriminals have become quite savvy in their attempts to lure people in and get you to click on a link or open an attachment. LEARN MORE Online Shopping It’s important to take steps to protect yourself when shopping online. LEARN MORE Back it Up Protect yourself against data loss by making electronic copies – or backups – of important files. LEARN MORE Malware, Botnets, and Ransomware The internet is a powerful and useful tool, but in the same way that you shouldn’t drive without buckling your seat belt or ride a bike without a helmet, you shouldn’t venture online without taking some basic precautions. LEARN MORE For more information and resources about cyber security visit the Alabama Office of Information Technology Website

Because disasters start locally, the Calhoun County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) has a vital role in preparation for, response to, and recovery from disasters both man-made and natural. In order to support the vital roles of preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation the Calhoun County EMA develops, maintains and supports the utilization of a series of all hazard emergency plans, along with planning guidance, which can support emergency response at the local level. The full plans can be requested by emailing ema@calhounema.org Calhoun County EMA Plans

Disaster Loans Available for those impacted by the March 25th severe weather event 1. Register with FEMA 2. Find out what loans can help you 3. Apply online with the SBA Application Filing Deadlines: Physical Damage: June 25th, 2021 Economic Injury: January 26, 2022 Why its important to Apply? SBA Loan Factsheet How can SBA help? Apply for FEMA assistance Disaster Assistance Information 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.

CALHOUN COUNTY INTERNSHIP PROGRAM The Calhoun County EMA offers internship opportunities to prepare present and future emergency management professionals to enter the public safety sector with the basic skills needed to function within an emergency management agency. Students who intern with the Calhoun County EMA will be able to use the experience to build resumes and gain valuable networking options as well as engage in projects to gain in-depth knowledge of the field. Click for more information: Deadline for Fall Applications: Date: July 31, 2026 Time: 4:00 PM What: Application and Resume For More Information Regarding the Calhoun County EMA Internship Program: Please click on each button to gain more insight into the program and what is required of you as an intern.

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.

Be Prepared BE INFORMED CREATE A PLAN TAKE ACTION FIND OUT MORE HERE > OUTDOOR WARNING SIRENS 1. Not meant to be heard indoors They are useful for those participating in outdoor activities When you hear an outdoor siren, seek shelter immediately 2. They are on a POLYGON System When there is a tornado WARNING, the National Weather Service will draw a polygon around the track of the tornado. Only the sirens within the polygon will go off. If you hear a siren, it means the weather threat is NEAR. Take cover immediately. Outdoor sirens Have at least 3 ways you can be alerted Having multiple ways to receive emergency alerts will help make sure you are always informed and ready to respond. LEARN MORE Be Informed It is important to know the hazards in your community. These hazards can be natural, like severe weather, or man-made, such as a hazardous materials incident. Take time to discuss these hazards with your family, including how can prepare for them and how you will respond if faced with one. Some of the top natural hazards in Calhoun County include: Tornadoes Severe thunderstorms , high winds, and lightning Ice Storms Being informed also includes knowing how to get emergency information. In an emergency, you may hear information broadcast using something called the Emergency Alert System (EAS). The EAS provides emergency information on the radio, over TV channels, and on cable TV (some stations). Another important method of receiving emergency information is Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA). WEA alerts are sent to smartphones capable of receiving them (most smartphones). You do not have to 'sign up' for these alerts--your phone will receive them automatically. It is important NOT to 'cancel' or 'disable' WEA alerts when you receive them, or you may not receive future alerts. A NOAA Weather Radio is an important item to have in your disaster supply kit because it not only lets your receive severe weather watches and warnings but it can also be a way authorities broadcast important information during an emergency. To ensure that you are receiving information for Calhoun County, make sure your radio is set to Channel 4 and S.A.M.E. county code 001015. For weather radio programming instructions, please visit this page hosted by the National Weather Service (NWS) in Birmingham: http://www.srh.noaa.gov/bmx/?n=nwr An important part of being informed also means knowing your siren tones. In Calhoun County, we use different tones for tornadoes, a hazardous material accident, an attack on the United States, and siren tests The severe weather tone is a long, high pitched tone. The tone for a hazardous material accident is a high-low tone (like a European ambulance siren). The sound for the siren test, conducted the first Tuesday of each month at 4:00 PM, is a long wail tone. The sound for a hostile attack on the United States is a fast wail tone. Create an Emergency Plan Your family may not be together when a disaster strikes! It is important to plan in advance what you will do if a disaster happens and you are separated. You should talk with your family about: How you will contact each another, Where you will meet up and get back together, and What you will do in different situations, like being at work, at school, at nights, and on weekends, if one of you is out of town on business, etc. Talking about your plan now will help reduce fear and anxiety if a disaster happens. Here are some tips in mind when creating emergency plan: Create a list of addresses and phones numbers for the places where your family spends the most time along with family members’ cell phone numbers and work numbers. Each family member should have a copy of the list and a copy should be placed in your disaster kit. Identify meeting places in your neighborhood (in case of a house fire) and meeting places outside your neighborhood in case you have to evacuate. Select an out-of-town relative or friend to be the “family contact person”. After a disaster, it is often easier to make a long distance call than a local call. If separated, family members should call the “contact person” and tell him or her where they are. Everyone must know the contact’s name, address, and phone number. Know what to do if authorities instruct you to shelter in place or evacuate. Practice and maintain your plan by reviewing and updating it every six months or with any major changes in your family. Create a Kit Putting together a disaster supply kit requires very little time or money but can be invaluable to you in the days following a disaster. Most items in your kit should be in a sturdy, waterproof container and include the things your family will need (don’t forget the pets) for the first three days after a disaster You don’t have to create your kit in one day; take time each week to place a few of the items you need in your kit. Some suggested items include: Water, at least 1 gallon per person per day Non-perishable food and a manual can opener Paper cups, plates, plastic utensils, and paper towels Battery-powered radio and a NOAA weather radio with extra batteries for each Flashlights with extra batteries Hygiene products such as baby wipes, extra soap and shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, toilet paper, etc. Fire Extinguisher First Aid Kit Tools, including a wrench or pliers to turn off utilities Copies of important family documents, insurance policies, etc. Other things to think about putting in your kit: Comfort items for kids, such as books, puzzles, and toys Money, both cash and change, in case credit and debit cards do not work A complete change of clothing for each family member including a pair of sturdy shoes Prescription medications and extra glasses/contacts Specialty items for infants, the elderly or anyone in your home with special needs Be Informed Create a Plan Take Action

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Tornado Safety TORNADO WATCH A Tornado Watch is issued by the National Weather Service when conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes. The watch is intended to give you time to review your safety rules. Watches may last for several hours. TORNADO WARNING A Tornado Warning is issued by the National Weather Service when a tornado has been spotted or indicated by weather radar, meaning a tornado is occurring or expected soon. TAKE ACTION because there is imminent danger to life and property. Immediately seek refuge. VS. Have at least 3 ways you can be alerted Having multiple ways to receive emergency alerts will help make sure you are always informed and ready to respond. LEARN MORE Seek shelter immediately when a TORNADO WARNING is issued. What is a good shelter? Find a Shelter near YOU If you hear an outdoor siren going off, it means that that area is under a tornado warning and you need to find shelter immediately. Do you know what to do during a tornado warning? Get Inside A tornado warning is issued by the National Weather Service when a developing tornado has been detected by radar or has been reported on the ground by reliable sources. Get Low Get as low to the ground as possible. If you can, get below ground, in a cellar, basement, or storm shelter. Never use the crawlspace under your home for shelter-the house can collapse on top of you! If outside, with no other shelter available, you can go into a ditch, but be aware of possible flooding. Get Covered Cover your head using a football or bicycle helmet, pillows, and blankets. This is important. Head wounds are a leading cause of tornado-related injuries.

Heat Waves How hot is dangerously hot? The National Weather Service uses a Heat Index, measured in degrees Fahrenheit, to describe how hot it actually feels when humidity is combined with air temperature. Heat alert procedures may be issued when the Heat Index is expected to reach between 105°F and 110°F for at least two consecutive days. Children, older adults, and people with certain health conditions are more sensitive to extreme heat and may feel its effects more quickly. If you are working outdoors, be sure to follow the safety tips below to help prevent heat-related illness. How can I stay safe during a heat wave? Reduce, reschedule, or avoid strenuous activities, especially during the hottest part of the day. When possible, plan outdoor work for the cooler morning or evening hours. Drink plenty of water throughout the heat wave. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, since they can make it harder for your body to cool itself. Spend a few hours each day in air conditioning if you can. If your home is not cool, consider visiting a store, restaurant, or other air-conditioned location to limit your heat exposure. Keep your home as cool as possible and avoid closed-off rooms. Even fans or open airflow can help your body cool by allowing sweat to evaporate more effectively.