Q: What is Emergency Management?
A: At the federal level, it is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage response and recovery efforts following any incident. State, County, and Territory Emergency Management agencies work with other government, non-profit, and private sector agencies to assist the public in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from disasters.
Q: What does your agency have to do with The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS)?
A: We are not an agent of DHS although we share in its vision, mission, and strategic goals. A large part of the County’s emergency planning and equipment funds are acquired through Homeland Security Grants, which we secure.
Q: What does Franklin County Emergency Management & Homeland Security do exactly?
A: The agency coordinates county-wide emergency/disaster planning, education, warning, response, and recovery to minimize the adverse impact on area residents and property.
Q: Why do you activate the sirens weekly?
A: To ensure they function properly when needed, routine diagnostic testing is required.
Q: Why can’t I hear the sirens in severe weather?
A: The sirens are designed to be heard outdoors and not inside. If you do not hear an alert outside, there may be a siren malfunction. If you can not hear the siren inside a structure, it is likely due to outside weather noise, or you may be located to the farther reaches of the siren sound.
Q: Hail damaged my automobile, how can you help me?
A: Our agency is not liable, nor do we make payments for repairs. Your private insurance agent can answer your questions about liability and payments. This applies to all personal property damaged by severe weather. However; if your loss is due to a large-scale weather event and other qualifiers, there may some relief. Contact our agency for further details.