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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.

Flood Safety What do I need to know about floods? Flash Flood Watch vs. Flash Flood Warning A flash flood watch is issued when flash flooding is possible. A flash flood warning means a flash flood is occurring; seek higher ground on foot immediately. How can I prepare my home for a flood? Find out if your home is at risk for flood and educate yourself on the impact a flood could have on you and your family. Even very small streams, gullies, culverts, dry streambeds, or low-lying ground that appear harmless in dry weather can flood. Most homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. Talk to your insurance provider about your policy and consider if you need additional coverage. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) can help provide a means for property owners to financially protect themselves if additional coverage is required. The NFIP offers flood insurance to homeowners, renters, and business owners if their community participates in the NFIP. Turn Around, Don't Drown! Do not walk into or travel into water of unknown depth, or that is over your calf or hubcap deep in flooded areas. Did you know a 3 mph current of water can sweep the strongest people off of their feet? Do not drive on a flooded road! Just a few inches of water can make cars float off the road. Wait for the water to recede, or find another route around the flooding. If your vehicle stalls, abandon it immediately and seek higher ground. Do not try to go back to your vehicle. Many people drown while trying to rescue their cars.

Infectious Disease Preparedness A pandemic is a disease outbreak that spans several countries and affects a large number of people. Pandemics are most often caused by viruses, like COVID-19 , which can easily spread from person to person. Preventative Actions: Avoid close contact with sick people. Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. germs spread this way. Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germ like flu. If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone for 24 hours without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.) Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. After using a tissue, throw it in the trash and wash your hands. Treatment: Most people with viruses have mild illness and do not need medical care or antiviral drugs. If you get sick with flu/COVID-19 symptoms, in most cases, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people except to get medical care. If, however, you have symptoms of flu/COVID-19-like symptoms and are in a high risk group, or are very sick or worried about your illness, contact your health care provider (doctor, physician assistant, etc.). CDC recommends prompt treatment for people who have flu infection or suspected flu infection and who are at high risk of serious flu complications, such as people with asthma, diabetes or heart disease. Additional Resources: Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) CDC Informational Series on 2019 Novel Coronavirus

Providing a blueprint to help organizations prepare their people and places for emergencies. The Emergency Management Agency (EMA) of Calhoun County is implementing the Preparedness Partners Program. The purpose of Preparedness Partners is to provide a blueprint to help organizations prepare their people and places for emergencies. The Program provides participating organizations free and critical resources including: Local Situational Awareness Alerts and Updates Checklists and information on how to prepare Individualized guidance from local emergency management professionals Physical signage and electronic logo designating organization as Preparedness Partner To successfully become a Preparedness Partner, organizations will complete 5 phases of readiness: Organizations in Calhoun County interested in learning more about becoming a Preparedness Partner can click the button below to register or you can always call the Emergency Management Agency at: 256-435-0540. Checklist Planning Partners Program No business will ever be disaster-proof. However, a business can be disaster resilient. This is the ability to withstand the impact of a disaster and continue as a strong, healthy organization.

STAY ALERT Preparing for the worst. Working hard toward the best. 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 Ways to Stay Informed Anchor 1 REGROUP ALERT SYSTEM WEATHER RADIO SOCIAL MEDIA WEATHER APPS Regroup is a notification system provided to you free by Calhoun County EMA. It is customizable and is the primary way we send out emergency alerts in the county. If there is severe weather in the county, the NOAA Weather Radio will go off. This is a great way to be alerted throughout the night when you may be sleeping. SAME CODE: 001015 Channel 4 During an event, our social media accounts are consistently updated. You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter). The links are below. Download local weather apps or the NOAA weather app to receive notifications about weather in your area. Click Here to Sign Up for FREE Emergency Alerts Outdoor Warning sirens Outdoor sirens are made to alert those outdoors who are in the path of a potential tornado in the area. They are NOT made to hear indoors. They only sound if they are within the National Weather Service tornado warning polygon. Sirens

The Emergency Management Agency (EMA) of Calhoun County is implementing the Planning Partners Program. The purpose of Planning Partners is to provide a blueprint to help organizations prepare their people and places for emergencies. This program is in partnership with FEMA's Ready Business and Do1Thing organization. The Planning Program provides participating organizations free and critical resources. This program also provides participants the opportunity to work with a local Emergency Management Professional to guide them through developing a preparedness and recovery plan. Planning Partner topics include: Local Situational Awareness Alerts and Updates Checklists and information on how to prepare Self-paced development of a Business Continuity Plan Physical signage and electronic logo designating organization as Planning Partner To successfully become a Preparedness Partner, organizations will complete a 12 step/month process and work alongside the Calhoun County EMA. Each month you will choose ONE thing to help prepare your business for disaster. Know Your Risks January's Topic How will you recover? April's Topic How will you communicate? July's Topic What does your insurance cover? December's Topic Planning Partners Program No business will ever be disaster-proof. However, a business can be disaster resilient. This is the ability to withstand the impact of a disaster and continue as a strong, healthy organization. Fill out the form to register Thanks for submitting! Submit Organizations in Calhoun County interested in learning more about becoming a Planning Partner can talk with an Emergency Manager by calling the Emergency Management Agency at: 256-435-0540 or emailing at ema@calhounema.org