Response
What we do during an emergency
When a disaster strikes Franklin County, the response phase is everything that happens during and right after the event: the work of saving lives, protecting property, and meeting immediate needs.
What happens when an incident occurs
Emergencies begin and end with first responders. When an event grows larger or more complex, however, the Emergency Management Agency steps in to coordinate. Here's how a larger incident typically unfolds.
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1
The call comes in and responders are dispatched
Local fire, EMS, and law enforcement respond immediately. At the scene, an Incident Commander takes charge and directs the tactical response.
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2
The EMA is notified and assesses the situation
As an event grows beyond a routine call, the EMA is alerted. We monitor conditions, gather information, and determine what additional support responders may need.
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3
The Emergency Operations Center activates
For larger incidents, the EMA opens the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) — a single coordination hub where agencies share information and make decisions together, supporting the responders working at the scene.
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4
Coordination and support continue
The EMA fills resource requests, manages public information, helps open shelters, and connects with state and federal partners — for as long as the incident requires.
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5
The focus shifts to recovery
Once life-safety needs are met, attention turns to damage assessment, restoring services, and helping the community begin to recover.
What the Franklin County EMA does
The EMA doesn't replace fire, EMS, or law enforcement — it supports them. Our job during an incident is coordination: making sure the right people, resources, and information come together. That work includes:
Running the Emergency Operations Center
We bring agencies together in one place — physically or virtually — to track the incident, set priorities, and make coordinated decisions.
Coordinating resources & mutual aid
When an incident outpaces local supplies or staffing, we source equipment and personnel and arrange mutual aid from neighboring jurisdictions and the state.
Supporting first responders
We back the crews at the scene with communications, logistics, and coordination so they can stay focused on the emergency in front of them.
Coordinating shelter & mass care
Working with partners like the American Red Cross and local volunteer organizations, we help open shelters and meet basic needs — food, water, and care.
Assessing damage
We document the impact across the county to understand needs and determine whether the thresholds for state or federal assistance have been met.
Connecting to state & federal partners
We advise county officials on emergency declarations and request support through Indiana DHS, coordinating with FEMA when a disaster is declared.
Organizing volunteers & donations
Through our COAD and volunteer partners, we channel offers of help and donated goods to where they're actually needed, and manage spontaneous volunteers.
What you should do during an incident
Residents are part of the response too. A few simple actions keep you safe and let responders do their jobs.
Follow official instructions
If officials tell you to evacuate or shelter in place, do it right away. They're acting on information you may not have yet.
Stay informed
Monitor local alerts, the National Weather Service, local media, and the FCEMA Facebook page for the latest, most accurate information.
Use 911 wisely
Call 911 only for life-threatening emergencies. For information or non-urgent needs, use 211 so 911 lines stay open for people in danger.
Stay off the roads
Keep routes clear for responders. Never drive through floodwater or around barricades, and never cross a downed power line.
Check on neighbors
If it's safe, check in on older adults and anyone with disabilities or medical needs who may need extra help.
Document damage — afterward
Once it's safe, photograph any damage and report it to EMA.
How to get information during an emergency
During a fast-moving event, get your information from official sources — and know which number to call.
Know which number to call
Keeping these straight helps everyone get the right help faster:
- Sign up for local emergency alerts so warnings reach your phone: Text your FRANKLIN COUNTY zip code to 888777.
- Follow FCEMA on Facebook for real-time local updates: facebook.com/FranklinCoINEMA.
- National Weather Service for watches and warnings: weather.gov. Keep a NOAA weather radio for alerts when power and cell service are down.
- Indiana County Travel Status before traveling in a storm: in.gov/dhs/travel-advisory-map.