EMA

Every resident that has a landline telephone and is listed in the E911 system is already in the system. (If a resident does not want to receive alerts there is an "OPT OUT" feature. You must contact the Wabash County EMA office to "OPT OUT" at (260) 563-3181 or toll free at (866) 288-3881).

The system may be activated by the E911 Center or Wabash County EMA. When the system is activated a message telling residents about the emergency incident or what action residents should take will be recorded locally and and the system activated. Messages are always ended with the agency activating the system giving the residents a phone number to call with questions.

CodeRED WEATHER ALERT is an optional feature of the CodeRED system. Residents MUST enter their phone information for landlines and Cell Phones into the system. In other words you must sign up for the service. You can sign up by going to the Wabash County Emergency Management page or by calling the EMA office at 260-563-3181. Once signed up whenever a SEVERE TUNDERSTORM WARNING, TORNADO WARNING or FLASH FLOOD WARNING is issued by the National Weather Service for the area that includes your address, a phone call is made to all the phone numbers you have signed up for the warning service. The voice message will state: " A (Tornado Warning,(Severe Thunderstorm Warning), or (Flash Flood Warning) has been issued for your area, take action now to protect yourself. This is a service of the Emergency Communications Network call(and a toll free number will be given.)

Outdoor Warning Sirens are located in Wabash, North Manchester and Laketon. The purpose of the sirens is to alert persons who are outside of possible severe weather activity or other emergency incidents. When the sirens are activated persons outside should seek a sturdy shelter. For more information persons should listen to radio or televisions stations from the immediate area for instructions.

The Wabash Sirens rotate so the sound increases then decreases in volume.

Everyone should have an Emergency Kit to sustain them through a prolonged power outage. The Emergency Kit should include: A battery powered radio, a NOAA Weather Radio, Candles, Matches, flashlight and extra batteries, battery powered camping lantern. a whistle for alerting rescuers, dust mask, moist towelettes, several trash bags with ties, toilet paper, roll of duct tape, box cutter or scissors, at least a 10 day supply of prescription medicine, adjustable wrench, pliers, screw driver or multi-tool, plastic sheeting. Drinking water at 1 gallon per person per day for at least 3 days. Food in the form of ready to eat items that do not require cooking and can be stored for extended time periods without spoiling. Ideally a backup generator, but users should be sure to position any generator so that carbon monoxide does not enter the living areas.

In case of a Tornado or funnel cloud sighting you should report that to law enforcement. But DO NOT call 911 for information up dates. Only use 911 for emergency incidents. Wabash County will be joining the 2-1-1 system in early July 2009 and non emergency needs may be address through 211. REMEMBER: If the incident has caused a major emergency the 911 center will be very busy handling emergency requests. If you call 911 for a non-emergency you are tying up telephone lines and a dispatcher that needs to be taking emergency calls.

You will find the Ordinance 85-11,2007 listed on the Wabash County Website. This is the Traffic regulation on Wabash County highways during a weather advisory or snow emergency.

When the County Commissioners declare a weather advisory motorists may continue to travel on county roads but at their own risk. However, if your vehicle is disabled on a county highway you may be subject to a fine. Pushing snow onto Wabash County roadways may also result in a fine during this declaration.