Commissioners declare a state of emergency
By
Brandy Chandler-brandychandler@gmail.com
The Highland County Board of Commissioners declared a state of emergency Saturday due to power outages and potential water shortages.
Highland County Sheriff Ron Ward said approximately 10,000 Highland County residences and businesses were without power Saturday afternoon.
Among those without power is the Highland County Water Company.
[[In-content Ad]]Ward said the privately owned water company has been without electricity since approximately 5 p.m. Friday.
Ward said he was told the water reserve levels are "dangerously low."
The plant has contracted to have generators brought in, and they are anticipated to be within the county in the next "few hours."
Several county water customers have contacted The Highland County Press saying they are without water.
In order to accommodate residents during this emergency situation the Highland County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) has opened the Emergency Services Center (ESC), which coordinates operations between emergency departments.
Paint Creek Joint EMS and Fire District Chief Bradley George told the Highland County Press Saturday evening that all county fire chiefs have been in communication throughout the day regarding the water shortage situation.
"There is a plan in place," George said. "We have been in communication should the need arise, we have a system worked out so crews will immediately head to Rocky Fork Lake to begin drafting to fill the tankers."
George said there has been contact and communication between the departments, ESC and Highland County EMA.
"We will continue to do what it is we do," George said.
Additionally, five cooling stations have been set up throughout the county, so people without power and water can get out of the heat. For more information on the cooling station locations, see the sidebar or contact the Highland County Sheriff's Office at (937) 393-1421.
Highland County Commissioner Shane Wilkin said the State of Emergency was declared out of the combination of the excessive heat, power outages and potential water shortages.
"It's a great time to be a good neighbor," Wilkin said. "For those Highland County residents who are lucky enough to have electricity, it's a good day to do a good deed, and check on your neighbors, especially if they are elderly or you know them to have health problems.
"I am being told they hope to have the generators at the water plant working soon. People need to take care of each other in this situation."
Ohio Governor John Kasich declared a State of Emergency Saturday for portions of Ohio after severe thunderstorms and high wind gusts moved through the state Friday evening.
Ward encouraged people who have medical issues such as the usage of oxygen tanks to contact the HCSO if they are having issues powering their equipment.
"If people need help we'll see if we can get them to a cooling station or make arrangements to help them out," Ward said. "We don't know how long this situation will last.
"There are currently no arrangements for overnight stays in cooling centers, but that matter will be addressed as we progress through the evening hours."
Check back to www.highlandcountypress.com for more information.
Highland County Sheriff Ron Ward said approximately 10,000 Highland County residences and businesses were without power Saturday afternoon.
Among those without power is the Highland County Water Company.
[[In-content Ad]]Ward said the privately owned water company has been without electricity since approximately 5 p.m. Friday.
Ward said he was told the water reserve levels are "dangerously low."
The plant has contracted to have generators brought in, and they are anticipated to be within the county in the next "few hours."
Several county water customers have contacted The Highland County Press saying they are without water.
In order to accommodate residents during this emergency situation the Highland County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) has opened the Emergency Services Center (ESC), which coordinates operations between emergency departments.
Paint Creek Joint EMS and Fire District Chief Bradley George told the Highland County Press Saturday evening that all county fire chiefs have been in communication throughout the day regarding the water shortage situation.
"There is a plan in place," George said. "We have been in communication should the need arise, we have a system worked out so crews will immediately head to Rocky Fork Lake to begin drafting to fill the tankers."
George said there has been contact and communication between the departments, ESC and Highland County EMA.
"We will continue to do what it is we do," George said.
Additionally, five cooling stations have been set up throughout the county, so people without power and water can get out of the heat. For more information on the cooling station locations, see the sidebar or contact the Highland County Sheriff's Office at (937) 393-1421.
Highland County Commissioner Shane Wilkin said the State of Emergency was declared out of the combination of the excessive heat, power outages and potential water shortages.
"It's a great time to be a good neighbor," Wilkin said. "For those Highland County residents who are lucky enough to have electricity, it's a good day to do a good deed, and check on your neighbors, especially if they are elderly or you know them to have health problems.
"I am being told they hope to have the generators at the water plant working soon. People need to take care of each other in this situation."
Ohio Governor John Kasich declared a State of Emergency Saturday for portions of Ohio after severe thunderstorms and high wind gusts moved through the state Friday evening.
Ward encouraged people who have medical issues such as the usage of oxygen tanks to contact the HCSO if they are having issues powering their equipment.
"If people need help we'll see if we can get them to a cooling station or make arrangements to help them out," Ward said. "We don't know how long this situation will last.
"There are currently no arrangements for overnight stays in cooling centers, but that matter will be addressed as we progress through the evening hours."
Check back to www.highlandcountypress.com for more information.