@SimaMerick

Executive Director, Ohio EMA; Past President of the National Emergency Management Association (NEMA); Ohio Emergency Management Professional

[@SimaMerick @simamerick]

Enjoyed the @OHSchoolSafety Summit this week—especially seeing my team engaged with our partners. Thanks to Ohio EMA’s Sean Miller for his great presentation on Severe Weather Awareness and Preparedness with OSSC and @NWSCLE.

[@SimaMerick @simamerick]

Ohio EMA continues to strengthen partnership and information‑sharing efforts. Hosting groups like the Ethiopian Public Health team for a facility tour helps us build new connections and expand collaboration across communities.

[Ohio Emergency Management Agency @Ohio_EMA]

Earlier this month, Ohio EMA Emergency Operations Center Manager Mike Staff gave a tour of the State EOC to the Ethiopian Public Health Department. Strong relationships with all of our partners are critical.

[@SimaMerick @simamerick]

Each hazard has consequences. Power outages are one of the consequences of severe weather - plan in advance so you are prepared for an outage. Understand generator safety, have battery powered lanterns & flashlights, have several ways to receive alerts. Don't be left in the dark!

[Ohio Emergency Management Agency @Ohio_EMA]

Severe weather can bring power outages. Be aware and be prepared - have an emergency kit and a plan for power outages. Learn more at: https://t.co/2sTcDb26WX

[@SimaMerick @simamerick]

Remember that planning is the first step to preparedness. Part of planning is having an emergency plan and a go-bag.
Learn more about being prepared at https://t.co/jdvmarlONs
#KnowUsBeforeYouNeedUs

[Ohio Emergency Management Agency @Ohio_EMA]

Keeping an emergency kit in your home can help you stay prepared. Here are some essential items to include in your kit.
To learn more, visit: https://t.co/J55YO8E1iY #OhioEMA

[@SimaMerick @simamerick]

Being prepared for severe weather is one of the most important things you can do. This week offers the opportunity to think about your emergency plan and know what you can do to keep you, your family, and your property safe. #Preparedness #Mitigation

[Ohio Emergency Management Agency @Ohio_EMA]

Severe Weather Awareness Week runs from March 15-21. This is a good opportunity to review your severe weather plans. See the video for more information and a message from Ohio EMA Director Sima Merick.

[@SimaMerick @simamerick]

It’s always good to see Ken Graham, Director of National Weather Service. We have forged a bond that has lasted for years and I am thrilled to spend time with him at NEMA.

[Ohio Emergency Management Agency @Ohio_EMA]

It is NEVER safe to drive or walk into flood waters. Turn around, don't drown!
For more information on flood safety, visit: https://t.co/7Lpni96VFV #OhioEMA

[NWS Cleveland @NWSCLE]

1:45 PM EST 3/4/26: Here is our forecast for tonight. #OHwx #PAwx

[@SimaMerick @simamerick]

I enjoyed touring the NWS Forecast Office Wilmington OH this week. I appreciate the knowledgeable teams and strong partnerships we continue to share with the NWS offices that serve Ohio. #NWSILN #OhioEMA #Partnerships

[Ohio Emergency Management Agency @Ohio_EMA]

The annual Severe Weather Awareness Poster Contest is accepting submissions until March 20, 2026. Ohio students in kindergarten through eighth grade are encouraged to participate. See the rules and entry form at: https://t.co/sPz9dVPSlE

[@SimaMerick @simamerick]

I am proud of my team as they work to shape the future of the State Joint Information Center. Public information helps bring the right message to the right people at the right time. During a disaster messaging matters.
#KnowUsBeforeYouNeedUs

[Ohio Emergency Management Agency @Ohio_EMA]

Today, public information officers (PIOs) from several state agencies met at Ohio EMA to discuss procedures in the Joint Information Center (JIC). During an incident, PIOs support emergency operation by facilitating the dissemination of timely, accurate information to the public.

[Ohio Emergency Management Agency @Ohio_EMA]

Having a weather radio in your emergency kit can ensure you have access to accurate and important information, even when your power is out. To learn more, visit: https://t.co/J55YO8E1iY #OhioEMA

[@SimaMerick @simamerick]

I appreciated the opportunity to speak with @DougPetcash @10TV to discuss the recent snowstorm and extreme cold temperatures which followed.

[Ohio Emergency Management Agency @Ohio_EMA]

Thank you to @DougPetcash for speaking with Ohio EMA Executive Director Sima Merick today about Ohio's recent snowstorm and the extreme cold temperatures in the state. Be sure to tune into @10TV's Face the State at 11:30am Sunday morning!

[Ohio Emergency Management Agency @Ohio_EMA]

Remember to bring in your pets when temperatures drop! Make sure you have enough supplies for your pets in your emergency kit, too. Learn more about winter safety at: https://t.co/Rvp1HncNGw #WinterSafety

[Ohio Emergency Management Agency @Ohio_EMA]

Extreme cold increases the risk of frostbite and hypothermia. Dress in layers, limit time outdoors for people and pets. Check on older adults and neighbors during severe winter weather.
#ReadySetSnowOhio

[@SimaMerick @simamerick]

This is a great toolkit our team created to share cold weather information and enhance messaging.

[Ohio Emergency Management Agency @Ohio_EMA]

During extreme cold, sharing safety messaging with your audience is critical. Ohio EMA has created this toolkit to allow for the sharing of information, hashtags, and graphics. View the toolkit here: https://t.co/7rCc8kM9ba

[OSHP_SWOhio @OSHP_SWOhio]

Troopers remain out on the roads of southwest Ohio checking vehicles and handling crashes. The best way to help our team is to stay home and stay off the roads.

[NWS Wilmington OH @NWSILN]

[2:20 PM UPDATE] Although snow rates are briefly becoming very light, the back edge of the system has NOT YET arrived. Steadier/heavier snow will move back in locally between 4 PM and 7 PM. Additional accumulations of 1-3" are still likely across parts of the area.

[OSHP_CentralOhio @OSHP_CentralOH]

Troopers remain out on the roads of central Ohio checking vehicles and handling crashes. The best way to help our team is to stay home and stay off the roads.

[@SimaMerick @simamerick]

When making your household emergency plan, include your pets and livestock.

[Ohio Emergency Management Agency @Ohio_EMA]

Don't forget about pets and livestock when creating your emergency plan! Winter can bring additional hazards - make sure pets have access to warm shelter and unfrozen water. #OHSnow