Vinton County Seeks Public Input on Mitigation Plan Update

Vinton County Emergency Management Agency is inviting public participation as it prepares an update to the county Mitigation Plan. Officials are asking residents to review the existing 2016 plan and submit recommended changes by email or in person, a move that gives the community a direct role in shaping local emergency priorities and response strategies.

Residents can send suggested revisions to ema@vintonco.com or deliver them to the EMA office at 106 S. Market Street in McArthur. For questions or additional information, the agency lists a contact number: 740-596-3524. The EMA also publishes office hours and committee schedules for those who prefer to discuss suggestions in person or attend meetings.

To support transparency and ongoing readiness, the agency reiterated its monthly siren-test schedule. Tests are conducted at 12 noon on the last Monday of each month. Hearing the siren at noon on that day indicates a scheduled test, not an emergency, and the schedule gives residents advance notice to avoid unnecessary concern.

The EMA has posted several committee meeting dates for the first quarter of 2026. The EMA Executive Committee meets January 5, 2026, and the Local Emergency Planning Committee is scheduled for January 8, 2026. These meetings represent additional opportunities for residents, community organizations, and local officials to review mitigation goals, ask questions, and help set priorities for hazard reduction and resilience.

Updating a county mitigation plan matters beyond paperwork. A current plan clarifies local vulnerabilities, sets preventive measures, and can influence eligibility for state and federal mitigation funding and support. For Vinton County residents, the update is a chance to highlight neighborhood concerns, infrastructure priorities, evacuation routes, or other local conditions that affect safety and recovery.

Participation is straightforward: review the 2016 plan, prepare suggested changes, and submit them by email or at the EMA office. The agency’s posted office hours and committee calendar provide additional ways to engage directly. Residents who stay informed and take part in the process can help ensure the updated plan reflects local needs and strengthens community resilience.