Heavy snowfall, ice, and extreme cold can immobilize an entire region. Even areas that normally experience mild winters can be hit with a major winter storm or extreme cold. Prepare for possible isolation in your home and possible power outages.

Know winter terminology used by weather forecasters and monitor the National Weather Service’s NOAA weather radio system and local radio and television for current weather information and forecasts.

Prepare a home “Emergency Supply Kit” to include a battery-powered NOAA weather radio, portable AM/FM radio, flashlight, extra batteries, canned and ready-to-eat food, matches, non-electric can opener, first aid supplies (including essential medications) and bottled water.  For more information on preparing an emergency supply kit please visit FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency‘s) website.

Keep your car “winterized” and carry a “Winter Car Kit” in your car’s trunk to include blankets, extra sets of dry clothing, a shovel, sand, tire chains, jumper cables, a first-aid kit, a flashlight with extra batteries, and a brightly colored cloth to tie to the car antenna.

The Clinton County Sheriff’s Office declares Weather Advisories with input from the Clinton County Highway Department and the Ohio Department of Transportation.  Weather Advisories are not meant to inconvenience anyone, but are meant to warn the public of hazardous conditions and enable to local road crews to clear the roadways more efficiently.

The public is encouraged to tune into local radio stations and/or Cincinnati and Dayton TV networks to obtain Winter Weather Advisories.  Please refrain from calling 911 for information regarding weather advisories.  Weather Advisories are classified as follows:

Level 1– Roadways are hazardous, drive very cautiously.

Level 2– Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow, roadways are also icy. Only those who feel it is necessary to drive should be out on the roadways. Contact your employer to see if you should report to work.

Level 3– All roadways are closed to non-emergency personnel. No one should be out during these conditions unless it is absolutely necessary to travel. All employees Should contact their employer to see if they should report to work. Those traveling on the roadways may subject themselves to arrest.

Warming Shelters – In the event of severe cold weather where a warming shelter is needed please go to your local fire department.  These shelters are for warming purposes only and are designed for only 2-3 hours.  In the event where longer sheltering is needed you will be instructed on where to go.

• Chester Township Fire & EMS – 5580 SR 380, Wilmington, Ohio 45177

• Clinton Highland Fire and EMS – 676 West Street, New Vienna, Ohio 45159

• Martinsville Fire Department – 317 School Street, Martinsville, Ohio 45146

• Wilmington Fire Department – 2415 Rombach Avenue, Wilmington Ohio 45177

• Wilmington City Building Lobby Only – 69 North South Street, Wilmington, Ohio 45177
• Clinton Warren Joint Fire District – 82 Spring Hill Road Clarksville, Ohio 45113

 Tornadoes

• TORNADO WATCH: Tornadoes are possible in your area. Remain alert for approaching storms.
• TORNADO WARNING: A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. If a tornado warning is issued for your area and the sky becomes threatening, move to your pre-designated place of safety.
• SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH: Severe thunderstorms are possible in your area.
• SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING: Severe thunderstorms are occurring.

What Should You Do If You Are Alerted of Severe Weather Warning

• Go to a place of safety to protect yourself from falling and flying debris.  Monitor radio, television and a NOAA Weather Radio to be advised of current severe weather information.
• In a building, move to the basement or an interior hallway, closet, or bathroom on the lowest floor available, away from windows.
• If you are in a car or mobile home, leave and go to a safe shelter.
• If outside, lie flat in the nearest ditch, ravine, or culvert with your hands shielding your head and be aware of possible flash flooding.
• NEVER try to outrun severe weather – on foot or in a car.

Flooding

• Be alert to river and flash flood watches and warnings issued by the National Weather Service and announced on NOAA weather radio and local radio and television.
• Do not walk or drive through moving water.
• Move to higher ground or upper floors in buildings.

If you live in a low-lying area or near a creek, pay close attention to water levels during heavy rain events, develop flood preparedness plans and purchase flood insurance from your local insurance agency or the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). For NFIP information call (1-800-427-4661).

 Lightning 
All thunderstorms produce lightning.  Lightning kills more people each year than tornados.  When you hear thunder, take shelter in an appropriate building and stay away from objects that conduct electricity.

Please visit our CodeRED page for information on signing up for free emergency notifications.