PROJECTS

Dangerous Wild Animal (DWA) Response

In accordance with Ohio Revised Code (ORC) Chapter 935, Vinton County has established a Dangerous Wild Animal Response Team to create a DWA Response Plan to address the potential escape or release of DWAs in the county. Both the team and the plan have now been approved by the State of Ohio Dangerous Wild Animal Emergency Response Commission (DWAERC). For more information about this law, visit the following link: http://www.agri.ohio.gov/TopNews/DangerousWildAnimalAct/

Mitigation Planning Grant

Vinton County EMA has recently received a Mitigation Planning Grant to update our Hazard Mitigation Plan. This plan serves as a list of projects that would help prevent or lessen the impact of disasters in Vinton County. As a part of the project, a full risk assessment will be completed to determine what hazards pose the most significant threats to citizens, businesses, and infrastructure in the county. Once completed and approved, Vinton County will be eligible to apply for Mitigation Project Grants to obtain funds to complete the projects proposed in the plan. The public is invited to review the current plan and submit comments and project suggestions. The Mitigation Plan was finished in July of 2016.

Functional Needs Assessment

Vinton County EMA is currently partnering with several community organizations to identify citizens with Functional Needs and create a database to improve emergency response. The functional needs population is made up of persons who might need additional assistance to be able to effectively participate in disaster response operations such as sheltering. Subsequently, we will work to create a Functional Needs Task Force that would deploy in the event of an emergency (such as a prolonged power outage, flood event, etc.) to confirm the safety of citizens who may not be able to maintain their health and independence, or to be able to manage the stresses of disaster/emergency response-related operations.

Emergency Preparedness Community Outreach

The preparedness of a community's citizens is vital to the overall recovery after a disaster. Vinton County EMA recently provided a preparedness presentation for the Citizen's Academy sponsored by the Vinton County Sheriff's Office. If you are interested in holding a preparedness workshop for your business or organization, please contact us.

Past Projects

In addition to response and recovery actions during various declared and non-declared disasters and incidents, Vinton County EMA has previously been involved in the implementation of programs such as Citizen Corps (CERT) and Citizens Academy. The agency has also previously obtained grants for the purchase of outdoor warning sirens, first responder communications equipment, and other emergency equipment.

Storm Ready Status

Vinton County EMA, along with other county agencies and organizations, is continuously working toward improving the quality of preparedness, response, and recovery during severe weather events. Using NWS guidelines, we are taking steps to obtain a STORM READY status to better serve the community before, during, and after this type of emergency.