Emergency Preparedness

Would you and your family be prepared in the event of an emergency? Three simple and effective steps can help you make sure the answer is YES.

1. Build an emergency supply kit. 

2. Make a family emergency communication plan. 

3. Be informed about the types of emergencies and the appropriate response.

Washington Township urges residents to familiarize themselves with these steps through the Resolve to be Ready Campaign sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

The program educates and empowers families and businesses to prepare for and respond to a range of emergencies, including power outages, icy roads, and natural disasters. The Ready.gov website provides detailed instructions and checklists to make sure home and business kits are complete. According to the Department of Homeland Security, residents who follow the Resolve to Be Ready Program are better prepared.

In the event of an emergency, Washington Township will use these information outlets, to the extent they are available, to provide emergency updates:

• CodeRED emergency phone notification

• Centerville High School radio station WCWT 107.3 FM (see more information below)

• Washington Township Facebook page

• Washington Township website

Where to Tune Your Radio in an Emergency
In the event of an emergency, residents of Centerville-Washington Township can stay informed by turning their dial to the Centerville High School radio station, WCWT 107.3 FM. This educational radio station has operated from CHS for many years and provides information about early school closures, weather, and local emergencies. In the past, 1290 WHIO-AM also has provided emergency updates. The station simulcasts at 95.7 FM.

In order to inform residents, Washington Township uses CodeRED, an emergency alert system that relays information to residents by phone. The high-speed messaging system can deliver customized emergency notification and instructions at a rate of 60,000 calls per hour.

How to Register for CodeRED
Residential landline telephones automatically receive CodeRED messages. To register your mobile device for CodeRED alerts, visit the Township's registration website or text WASHINGTONTWP to 99411 to receive a direct link to the enrollment form.

Residents should register for CodeRED if they:

• Want their cell phone called

•  Want to provide a work phone as a back-up to their home phone

• Want to provide a caregiver back-up number

• Recently moved and kept their old phone number

• Have changed their phone number in the past six months

• Use a TDD/TTY

How to Register a Business
Washington Township businesses are not automatically enrolled in CodeRed. Please register online if you wish to receive emergency notifications at your place of business.

Washington Township CodeRED Updates

Outdoor warning sirens are activated for tornado warnings and potentially used in the event of other emergencies. When the sirens are activated, you should seek shelter in an indoor room or basement and tune to your local radio or TV channel for more information.

The Washington Township Fire Department conducts monthly checks of the 12 alert sirens located throughout Centerville-Washington Township. If you live near a siren, you can help make sure it's working properly by listening for the sound at the monthly testing time and contacting Fire Headquarters with test results.

Siren testing takes place on the first Monday of every month between noon and 12:30 pm and on the first day of spring during a state-wide test of alert sirens. 

Siren Map
Check the Washington Township map to see if an outdoor warning siren is located near your home.

Questions
Any concerns related to outdoor warning sirens should be directed to Fire Headquarters at 937-433-3083.

Check out this information from Ready.gov to keep your family prepared for tornado season.

If you are under a tornado or severe weather warning:

• Go to NOAA Weather Radio and your local news or official social media accounts for updated emergency information. Follow the instructions of state and local officials.

•  Go to a safe shelter immediately, such as a safe room, basement, storm cellar,or a small interior room on the lowest level of a sturdy building.

• Stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls.

• Do not go under an overpass or bridge. You’re safer in a low, flat location.

• Watch out for flying debris that can cause injury or death.

• Use your arms to protect your head and neck.

• If you can’t stay at home, make plans to go to a public shelter.