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If you or your organization uses a scanner to monitor weather information via the Butler County 460.175 frequency, please note that this frequency will no longer be used after February 2011. Butler County EMA along with all emergency services agencies in the county will be transitioning to a new 800 MHz digital radio system by spring/summer of 2011. For more details keep reading...
This new system will significantly improve the emergency communications capabilities within our county and, with the proper scanner, will provide the public with very clear signals on our new dispatching talk groups. Unfortunately, if you have a scanner that does not allow you to monitor DIGITAL 800 MHz frequencies, then you will not be able to receive any of the emergency services broadcasts once the new system is installed. We recommend that you search internet scanner providers or local vendors such as Radio Shack, Wal-Mart, or other electronics stores, for information on scanners capable of receiving the new 800 MHz digital signal. The new system will also be somewhat more complex in that you will need to know the "talk group" information for the Butler County system. Once this information is available from the vendor, we will have it on our website or will provide a link to obtain it.
If you use the current Butler County EMA "command" frequency for weather information, we strongly suggest that you obtain a NOAA Weather Alert Radio which will give you up-to-the-minute watch/warning and weather information for the Butler County area. You can contact our office for information on where to purchase a radio or simply do an internet search for "weather radios." If you have questions on the new communications system, you can call us at our office (316-733-9796) or watch our website for updates!
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On June 4th, Emergency Management staff participated in the Law Enforcement Torch run in support of Kansas Special Olympics. Charlene Miller and Keri Korthals joined a team that included runners from the Butler County Jail, the El Dorado Prison and Rose Hill PD to run the leg from El Dorado to Augusta. Wind, hills, and 100-degree heat indexes couldn't slow this team down! Tackling the 14 mile route in intervals (relay-style), each runner ended up logging about 3.5 to 4 miles. Upon reaching Augusta, the torch was handed off to runners from the Augusta Dept of Safety. Later that evening, Charlene joined the group of runners that covered the final leg, running from the Sedgwick County Courthouse to Cessna Stadium (another 5 miles!).
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Severe weather was in the forecast for the third day in a row, on Wednesday, May 12th.
To find out more about what happened that day, click here.
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Another CERT training successfully wrapped up on Saturday, April 17th. Fifteen people completed the full 20 hours, learning everything from light search and rescue, to basic fire suppression, to disaster medical operations. The class ended with a full-scale exercise where participants were able to practice their new skills. The weather cooperated beautifully as class participants put out fires, rescued "victims" and performed triage and treatment. To view a collection of pictures from the class, click here. The 20-hr CERT training is offered approximately every six months...
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For more information on Emergency Management activities,
visit the Newsletter and Calendar tabs.
