Emergency management is a profession which deals with the dynamic process of purposeful, coordinated efforts among government, non-government, not-for-profit agencies, and public/private sector organizations. These activities involve all hazards, all phases, all impacts and all stakeholders who prepare, respond, recover, and mitigate these events. Emergency management simply creates a framework to help communities reduce vulnerabilities to threats and hazards and cope with disasters. It is an essential role of government, which has responsibility for public safety and has the overall goal of:
Phillips County Residents can register for an Everbridge Account (see link below).
The emergency communication tool will allow Phillips County to communicate with residents quickly and efficiently before, during, and after an emergency. When residents register, they will receive alerts regarding weather advisories, watches and warnings, and other emergency information when it is necessary. The system will allow the option to choose which weather information is to be received, by selecting each specific alert individually.
All residents are encouraged to register by clicking the link below: https://member.everbridge.net/index/311578402488623
Once the site is open, please enter all contact information along with specific notification preferences. Be sure to select how you would prefer to receive your alerts and notifications. Please enter a valid address, so you are contacted when your area is affected.
The National Weather Service distinguishes between these two types of messages based on degree of certainty:
Watch—A watch is used when the risk of a hazardous event has increased significantly, but its occurrence, location, and/or timing is still uncertain. It is intended to provide enough lead time so that those who need to set their plans in motion can do so. From the listener’s perspective, a watch lets you know that weather conditions are favorable for a hazard to occur. It literally means “be on guard!” During a weather watch, gather awareness of the specific threat and prepare for action.
Warning—A warning is issued when a hazardous event that poses a threat to life or property is occurring, is imminent, or has a very high probability of occurring. During a weather warning, it is important to TAKE ACTION grab the emergency kit and head to safety immediately. Both watches and warnings are important, but warnings are more urgent.
Contact the Sheriff’s Department, 785-543-6885, to determine whether open burning is permitted. Phillips County Emergency Management monitors conditions daily and updates the Sheriff’s department on burning restrictions. It is also published on the Phillips County Emergency Management Facebook page and sent in Everbridge the county mass notification system.
Yes, you MUST contact the Sheriff’s Department BEFORE you start any burning operations. First, to determine if burning is permitted and secondly, so dispatch can track the location of the burn. Finally, you must call again once your fire has been extinguished. This ensures that if someone calls in after the fire has been extinguished dispatch knows it is no longer monitored or controlled.
The Phillips County Emergency Management Office in coordination with local Fire Chiefs is authorized to establish or relax a burn ban whenever it is believed such actions are appropriate. Burning restrictions will be based on a combination of the following conditions: drought with minimal precipitation, relative humidity of 25% or less, sustained surface winds, or frequent gusts of 15mph or greater, temperatures of 75 degrees or higher, and a Fire Danger Index of Very High or Extreme. Weather conditions will be determined by the National Weather Service, Hastings NE.
Verify the current and predicted weather conditions with the National Weather Service (https://www.weather.gov/). Search your location by adding the zip code. Optimal burning conditions are light winds (less than 15mph), high humidity, and low temperatures.
1. Check local regulations to ensure burning is not restricted (Phillips County monitors burning conditions daily). 2. Monitor weather conditions. 3. Clear the area. Select a location at least 150 feet away from structures, utility lines, and any other flammable materials. 4. Prepare your equipment. Have a water source (garden hose or pump can), shovel and rake ready before you ignite. 5. Create a 5-foot wet control line around the area. 6. Notify your neighbor so they are aware you will be burning and for how long.
No, the Fire Department will only be dispatched if the fire is out of control, spreading, or causing a dangerous or hazardous incident. The person performing the open burning is responsible for the burn from start to finish. You can contact your local fire department for advice on when and how to conduct fires, safety tips, etc.
1. Remain vigilant. Ensure the fire is monitored by an adult until it is completely extinguished. 2. Watch the Wind. Be prepared to extinguish your fire if the wind picks up or weather changes. Sudden wind changes are how most open burns become hazardous. 3. Don’t delay a call for help. If for some reason the fire becomes uncontrollable, call 911 immediately.
Pour lots of water on the fire until the hissing sound stops, drowning all the embers, don’t just extinguish a fire with just dirt or sand. Use your shovel to stir the water into the embers, dirt, and sand, and mix well. Scrape any sticks and logs until no embers are exposed or smoldering, not just the red ones. Continue adding water, dirt, and sand until all material is cool. Hover the back of your hand over the ashes to feel that the embers are cool. Don’t leave without making sure your fire is entirely out. Check the area regularly, especially if the weather is warm, dry, and windy.
