The Calhoun-Roane Local Emergency Planning Commission met at the Grantsville Volunteer Fire Department on Wednesday, June 18th, 2025 at 1 p.m., Agency Representation attending was:
- Jess Metz, Calhoun Family Resource Network
- Jennifer Randolph, Calhoun County Administrator
- Randall Richards, Minnie Hamilton Health System
- Derek Wilson, Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department
- Tina Persinger Hamrick, Calhoun Family Resource Network
- Hillary Hickman, Minnie Hamilton EMS
- Shari Johnson, Ridgeview News
- Graham Knight, Calhoun Sheriff’s Department
- Eric Lupardus, Calhoun County Commission
- Judy Brannon, Grantsville Volunteer Fire Department
- Curt “Bart”Bartholomew, Retired Military EMA
- Joseph Cantley, Roane General Hospital
- Chrissy Flesher, Roane County 911 OES
- Woodrow “Woody” Wilson, American Red Cross
The group discussed an Emergency Preparedness Guide that could be Printed with the Calhoun Roane LEPC information and distributed through both Calhoun and Roane Counties.
The 38 page booklet is filled with information necessary for every family when facing a local disaster on how to plan, what to have on hand, what to do before, during and after specific sistuations and contact numbers for quick reference. The group determined to look into the cost of printing and have a supply on hand at county events such as the festivals.
Another item heavily discussed was the need for a central location of information for citizens to be notified of matters needing their attending. Perimeter, An organization that provides a multiservice subscription for Counties and organizations to have access to pre-planning, multi-agency coordination and public communication was considered but deemed unaffordable at $1.00 per citizen at the end of the trial year which cost $1,500.00. The second subscription service under consideration is Heads Up Community which is currently used by the Town of Grantsville and several neighboring counties. The LEPC group will be looking into the logistics of this and other options to create a much needed communication tool for area citizens and agencies in emergencies.
The Calhoun County LEPC sub-committee continues to gather information for creating an Emergency Preparedness plan and to stay active and effective in creating a safer community.
