Start Now: 5 Questions for Your Next Family Meal

Top 5 Questions to Build Your Family Emergency Plan

Why Every Clinton County Household Needs a Plan—Now

Disasters aren’t just something that happens somewhere else. Here in Clinton County, Ohio, we’ve faced the unexpected time and again—from paralyzing winter storms to destructive high winds and tornadoes. When these events strike, confusion and panic can quickly put lives at risk. A well-practiced emergency plan changes that.

Here are five essential questions every household should answer to build a strong, actionable emergency plan—rooted in real lessons from our past.

1. How Will We Receive Emergency Alerts and Warnings?

In January 1978, the infamous Blizzard of ’78 struck Ohio with devastating snow, wind, and whiteout conditions. Thousands were stranded, and communications were limited. In a more recent example, the remnants of Hurricane Ike in 2008 brought unexpected hurricane-force winds to Clinton County, knocking out power and communications for days.

Be ready to stay informed:

• NOAA Weather Radio for continuous updates.

• Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) on mobile phones.

• Clinton County Emergency Alerts at cc-ema.org/alerts.

• Your trusted local weather or news source app—most offer push notifications and serve as a reliable way to verify emergency alerts and evolving information.

• Battery-powered AM/FM radios as backup.

Know how you’ll get critical information—even if the power or internet goes down.

2. What Is Our Shelter Plan?

In 2024, two tornadoes struck Clinton County, contributing to Ohio’s record-

breaking 74 confirmed tornadoes—the most ever recorded in a single year. While warning systems have improved, knowing exactly where to go when seconds count can save lives.

At home, designate a safe room—preferably a basement, or if that’s not available, an interior room without windows such as a bathroom, hallway, or closet on the lowest level. Practice getting there quickly with all members of the household.

Take extra steps to protect yourself and your loved ones once inside:

• Use mattresses, heavy blankets, or pillows to shield against flying debris.

• Equip your shelter area with bicycle or sports helmets, especially for children.

• Store sturdy shoes and a flashlight in your shelter for post-storm navigation.

But your plan shouldn’t stop at home.

Ask yourself: Where would I shelter if I was at…

• Work? Know where the designated severe weather shelter is—often a stairwell or internal hallway.

• School? Ensure your children know their school’s designated tornado or lockdown shelter area.

• Traveling?

  • If in a vehicle, do not try to outrun a tornado—seek shelter in a nearby sturdy building.

  • At gas stations or fast-food restaurants, interior restrooms without windows are ideal.

  • In large stores or malls, head for employee break rooms or back storage areas away from glass and exterior walls.

🚫 Never shelter under a highway overpass. These structures create a wind tunnel effect and offer little to no protection from flying debris. People have been seriously injured or killed using them during tornadoes. Always seek a lower, enclosed structure instead.

Sheltering in Place for Chemical Emergencies

For hazardous material incidents, such as a train derailment or chemical release, the correct action may be to shelter in place. A recent example is the East Palestine train derailment on February 3, 2023, which initially led to shelter-in-place orders that quickly escalated to mandatory evacuations with little notice.

Per FEMA’s Shelter-in-Place Guidance for Chemical Emergencies, here’s what to do:

• Go indoors immediately.

• Choose a room on the highest level of the building, away from the windward side, and without windows or gaps.

• Seal the room using plastic sheeting and duct tape on windows, doors, vents, and any other openings.

• Block door gaps with damp towels.

• Turn off HVAC systems, exhaust fans, and anything pulling in outside air.

• Remain sheltered until officials give the all-clear.

You may only have minutes. Plan your shelter location now—not during the event.

Do you have a prepared Bug-Out Bag?

If not, start one today. In fast-moving situations like chemical spills, fires, or

evacuations, a pre-packed bag allows you to leave in seconds—not scramble for essentials when every minute counts.

3. What Is Our Evacuation Route and Meeting Place?

Whether it’s a rising flood, hazardous material release, or civil emergency, you may be told to evacuate. Do you know where to go—and how fast you can leave?

The East Palestine train derailment is a powerful reminder. After toxic materials were released, residents had very limited time to grab essentials and evacuate. Those with pre-identified plans acted swiftly. Those without scrambled under pressure.

Prepare now:

• Plan three meeting locations:

  • Near home (e.g., a neighbor’s porch)

  • Across town (e.g., local shelter or friend’s house)

  • Out of town (e.g., family in another region)

• Keep printed maps and emergency contact lists in your vehicle and kits.

• Plan alternate routes in case major roads—like SR 730, OH-22/3, or US-68—are closed.

Time may be short. Your plan should be simple, fast, and practiced.

4. How Will We Communicate During an Emergency?

During the 2008 windstorm and more recent events, many residents experienced cell tower congestion or outages. In a crisis, don’t assume your phone will work as expected.

• Use a “text-first” policy—texts are more likely to go through during high network traffic.

• Designate a trusted out-of-area contact to coordinate updates with extended family or friends.

• Write down key phone numbers in your wallet and kits in case your phone dies.

Update your voicemail message immediately after a disaster:

• Clearly state your intent or status (e.g., “We are safe and sheltering at home”).

• Direct callers to your designated point of contact for updates.

• Ask callers not to leave voicemails unless the message is urgent and relevant.

• Politely state that thoughts, prayers, or check-ins are appreciated but use valuable power and space.

⚠️ This reduces call volume, conserves battery, and ensures you’re reachable when it counts.

Also consider:

• FRS/GMRS radios for neighborhood contact.

• Satellite messengers for travel or off-grid communication.

5. Do We Have an Emergency Kit Ready?

During the Blizzard of 1978, people were trapped for days. During Hurricane Ike’s

aftermath in 2008, thousands were without power for a week. And in 2024, Clinton County has already seen multiple tornado events. Your emergency kit could be your lifeline.

Your basic emergency kit should include:

• Water (1 gallon per person per day for at least 3 days)

• Non-perishable food

• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio

• Flashlight and extra batteries

• First aid kit and prescription medications

• Copies of documents, cash, and spare keys

Also build:

• A vehicle kit (for breakdowns or getting home)

• A workplace kit (in case you’re stranded)

Tailor for:

• Children

• Pets

• Seniors

• Medical conditions

Update and rotate every 6 months.

Final Thought

Preparedness isn’t about fear—it’s about taking responsibility for those you love. Clinton County has endured blizzards, windstorms, chemical threats, and tornadoes. More will come.

Take one hour this week to sit with your household and answer these five questions. Write it down. Practice it. Adjust it as needed. It may be the most important hour you ever spend.

For planning tools, supply lists, and local hazard information, visit:👉 cc-ema.org/plan