Home - Homeland Security

Winter Weather Preparedness

Details: Published: Tuesday, 20 November 2018 08:00

As the last oak leaves begin to fall and cut fields have a white dusting of snow on them, it becomes a vibrant reminder that winter weather is just around the corner. (it's here).. and the time to prepare for winter weather is now.

Allen County residents know that severe winter storms are a possibility each year. Heavy snow fall, freezing rain, ice and dangerously cold temperatures are all possible so taking appropriate steps to prepare for these hazards can help reduce the risk of life-threatening situations and costly damage.

One step that Hoosiers can take to prepare their homes for winter is ridding gutters of debris or leaves before snow and ice accumulate. When gutters are clogged and the ice and snow from winter storms melt, water can back up and flow beneath a roof, causing costly water damage. A way to prevent debris and leaf build-up is to purchase a screen to cover the gutters.

We also recommend removing dead branches from trees surrounding the home. Ice and snow can weigh down branches which can lead to them snapping and damaging property.

Before winter arrives, homeowner insurance policies should be reviewed to ensure that coverage is adequate for the winter weather that occurs in Indiana each year.

Visit the our winter weather section to learn more about winter weather precautions at http://allencounty.us/homeland/winter-weather.

Then throughout the winter, use our Situation Awareness for Travel tab [on the right] for the latest weather and travel conditions information.

Indiana uses a standardized tool for assessing winter weather travel conditions. An advisory is issued when conditions are changing; i.e., ice forming on bridge decks or road surfaces, drifting across roadways, snow beginning to accumulate. A watch is used to communicate hazardous conditions occurring such as accumulating snow with forecast for more, significant icing, some roadways impassable due to drifting or timing of the snow. A warning is only issued when local resources are completely overwhelmed or travel would present a significant threat to the personal safety of our residents. A warning may not be issued without the Allen County Commissioners first declaring a local disaster.

travel conditions

National Terrorism Advisory System Bulletin Re-Issued

Details: Published: Friday, 14 September 2018 09:26

NTAS v2 web 01

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Office of Public Affairs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 14, 2018

DHS REISSUES THE NTAS BULLETIN

A Vigilant Public Remains One of our Greatest Assets

WASHINGTON – Today, Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen M. Nielsen reissued the National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) Bulletin pertaining to the terror threat to the U.S. homeland. After carefully considering the current threat environment, as well as input from the Department’s intelligence and law enforcement partners, Secretary Nielsen determined it is necessary to extend the NTAS Bulletin at this time.

Terrorist groups continue to inspire, enable and direct their followers to spread chaos using homemade weapons and by striking soft targets and crowded places. They also remain focused on conducting more sophisticated attacks using conventional weapons as well as new technologies and tactics. DHS is committed to staying a step ahead of our enemies, and an informed and vigilant public remains one of the Department’s greatest assets in protecting the homeland.

This marks the seventh iteration of the Bulletin on the homegrown terrorism threat since the first Bulletin was released in December 2015.

View NTAS Advisory Bulletin Sep 2018

Learn more about the National Terrorism Advisory System and view the latest NTAS Bulletin under our Hometown Security section.

Hometown Security Starts at Home

Details: Published: Monday, 06 April 2015 10:36

Preparedness Kit

Our county becomes better-prepared and more-resilient when we all do our part to be ready.

Preparing for the unexpected doesn't have to be hard. Keep it simple. Focus on the basics: Be Informed; Make a Plan; Build a Kit; Get involved. Visit http://www.ready.gov/ for some great ideas that you can make your own. Get involved in your own hometown security http://allencounty.us/homeland/get-involved

If You See Something - Say Something

Details: Published: Monday, 13 June 2016 07:11

If you see something

We continue to monitor national events and are prepared to take necessary precautions for citizens. No threat information with regard to Indiana has been identified. Hoosiers are urged to be vigilant in the wake of the most recent attack in Florida. The Allen County Office of Homeland Security reminds people that “if they see something suspicious, say something” by contacting our office using the contact information above or by using the tabs to the right on this page. If danger is imminent, call 911.