Huron County Emergency Management Agency (EMA)

The primary responsibility of the Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security is to provide professional mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery services that save lives, reduce injuries and economic loss, and enhance recovery from disasters.​  For more information visit the Huron County EMA website:  HuronCountyEMA

Outdoor Sirens

The City of Willard operates five outdoor warning sirens that sound during severe weather events that may include large hailstorms, heavy winds and tornado warnings. Though the sirens are placed strategically throughout the city, they are designed to warn people who are outdoors. People who are inside may not hear them, as air conditioning, thunder, wind, rain and other conditions can drown out the sound.

The City of Willard highly recommends each home and business have other means to receive warnings and notifications, including internet, radio, television or a NOAA weather radio.

Huron County ​ALERTS:  ​Huron County provides a free notification system using WENS (Wireless Emergency Notification System). See below for more information & to sign-up.
Outdoor Siren Map
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Huron County ALERTS   (HuronCountyAlerts.com)

Huron County, Ohio uses WENS, a Wireless Emergency Notification System. Get alerted about emergencies and other important community news by signing up for HuronCountyAlerts.com.

​This emergency notification system enables your emergency service providers to supply you with critical information quickly in a variety of situations, such as severe weather, snow emergency levels, unexpected road closures, missing persons, and evacuation of buildings or neighborhoods.

You will receive time-sensitive messages to devices you specify, such as your home, cell, or business phone, email, text messages, and hearing impaired receiving devices. You pick where, you pick how.

Individuals who need assistance can register by calling the Huron County Emergency Management Agency at (419) 663-5772.

Weather Reports

The City of Willard highly recommends each home and business have other means to receive warnings and notifications, including internet, radio, television or a NOAA weather radio. Willard Fire & Rescue works with the National Weather Service to provide you with as much information possible to prepare you in the event of adverse weather conditions.

Weather Radios
NOAA Weather Radio Frequencies

NOAA Weather Radio Information

​Weather radios can be purchased at local stores or you may purchase one from the Huron County EMA at 255 Shady Lane Drive, Unit B, Norwalk,(behind the Huron County Sheriff's Office) or if you would like more information call (419) 663-5772 or email director@huroncountyema.com

Seek Shelter

​When a severe thunderstorm warning is issued, you should take shelter immediately.  Remember that thunderstorms can produce a tornado with little or no warning.

  • In homes or small buildings:  Go to an interior room on the lowest level, such as a closet or bathroom.  Stay away from windows, doors and outside walls.  Crawl under a sturdy surface, such as a heavy table or desk.  Cover yourself with thick padding, such as blankets or a mattress. Use your arms to cover your head and neck to protect against flying debris.
  • In schools, hospitals, factories or shopping centers:  Go to interior rooms and halls on the lowest level.  Stay away from glass-enclosed places or areas with wide-span roofs, such as auditoriums and warehouses.  Crouch down and cover your head and neck.  Centrally located stairwells are good shelter.
  • In cars or mobile homes:  Abandon them immediately!  Most deaths occur in cars and mobile homes.  If you are in either of those locations, leave them and go to a substantial structure or shelter.
  • If no suitable structure is nearby:  Lie flat in the nearest ditch or depression and use your hands to cover your head. Be alert for flash floods!
Being outdoors is the most dangerous place to be during a lightning storm.  If a storm is approaching, go indoors or take shelter in a hard-topped vehicle.  If you can hear thunder, you are within striking distance of lightning.

Be Prepared
Lightning Safety
If your house is struck by lightning, call the fire department and, if possible, have them check for hot spots in the walls with thermal imaging equipment. If you see fire or smell smoke, get out and call 9-1-1.

Interactive Guides
​Are You Ready?