Emergency Management

The Clark County Emergency Management Agency is responsible for the strategic planning and organizational management when it comes to both natural and manmade disasters in Clark County. Working in close collaboration with local, state, and federal agencies, our goal is to effectively prepare for, respond to, and recover from such emergencies. Additionally, our agency actively collaborates with public and private partners to minimize and prevent disasters, ensuring the safety of special events and vulnerable areas within Clark County.

Clark County Alerts

Clark County Alerts, powered by RAVE, allows residents to receive alerts via phone, text and email, and answer poll questions that will give Clark County officials critical information during emergency situations. Individuals who are signed up for alerts will receive reliable information regarding emergency conditions and tailored updates based on their specific needs and geographic location.

Sign up for our alert system and receive important Messages and Emergency Alert Notifications from Clark County 911, Clark County Emergency Management, Clark County Health Department, Clark County Local Emergency Planning Committee, and participating cities and towns.

Click here to register to receive Clark County Alerts

Clark County’s Outdoor Warning System

Outdoor Warning Sirens are used to alert people who are OUTSIDE to go indoors and seek shelter in a hazardous situation. Clark County Emergency Management operates twenty-five warning sirens located throughout Clark County. The Outdoor Warning Siren system is activated by Clark County 911 any time there is a TORNADO WARNING issued for Clark County. This is an OUTDOOR warning system and is meant to direct residents and visitors to go indoors during the threat of severe weather. It is recommended that upon hearing the siren, you immediately seek shelter and refer to the local media or a NOAA weather radio for further information or updates. Clark County Emergency management does not utilize the siren system to issue an "All Clear". Any siren activation is meant to prompt immediate action! The siren system is ONE of many tools we use to warn those in Clark County of emergency situations. It is suggested that you subscribe to our emergency alert system and use a NOAA Weather radio in your home to be sure you receive ALL important alerts.

Click here to sign up for Clark County Alerts or by texting “ClarkWxAlerts” to 226-787.

Clark County Outdoor Warning System Tests

The Outdoor Warning Sirens are tested on the first Saturday of every month at 12:00PM. The sirens will sound for three minutes. The sirens will not be tested if there is inclement weather, or the temperature is below 32 Degrees. The sirens are not tested when the temperature is below 32 degrees in order to prevent unnecessary damage if the siren motor is frozen. The sirens are still able to be tested without a full activation.

Clark County also participates in the Indiana Statewide Tornado Drill, activating the sirens and encouraging residents to practice what they would do in the event of an actual tornado.

County Burn Bans and Travel Advisories

Burn Bans

Restrictions on outdoor burning activities or "burn bans" can be ordered by any local fire chief for their respective jurisdiction or may be imposed by the legislative body of a city, town or county. According to the 2014 Indiana Fire Code, Section 307.1.1, "The fire chief is authorized to require open burning be immediately discontinued if such open burning constitutes a hazardous condition." Burn Bans are reported to the Clark County Emergency Management Agency so the status of the burn ban can be placed on the Statewide Burn Ban Status Map.

Travel Advisories

Advisories may be issued for a variety of unusual hazardous conditions which affect roadways including high water, ice or snow, trees or limbs down on roads, utility poles or power lines blocking roads, damage debris on the roads or other situations.

Advisory - The lowest level of local travel advisory, means that routine travel or activities may be restricted in areas because of a hazardous situation, and individuals should use caution or avoid those areas.

Watch - Means that conditions are threatening to the safety of the public. During a "watch" local travel advisory, only essential travel, such as to and from work or in emergency situations, is recommended, and emergency action plans should be implemented by businesses, schools, government agencies, and other organizations.

Warning - The highest level of local travel advisory, means that travel may be restricted to public safety personnel and emergency management workers only. During a "warning" local travel advisory, individuals are directed to:

(A) refrain from all travel;

(B) comply with necessary emergency measures;

(D) obey and comply with the lawful directions of properly identified officers.

Click here to find the County’s travel status

Contact Clark County Emergency Management

Gavan Hebner – Director
William Bower – Deputy Director

Email: emergencymanagement@clarkcounty.in.gov

Clark County Emergency Management
309 Lentz Avenue
Charlestown, IN 47111

Office: 812-406-0086 Ext. 5

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