Executive Director, Ohio EMA; Past President of the National Emergency Management Association (NEMA); Ohio Emergency Management Professional
Joined October 2019
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Can you complete this BINGO card? What else can you add to your preparedness list? #OPM26
@SimaMerick retweeted
Patchy fog dissipates this morning leading to a pleasant Friday. A pair of fronts move across the region this weekend and will bring renewed chances for showers and storms. There is some limited potential for a stronger storm Saturday afternoon/evening. #ohwx #pawx
ALT Mostly sunny today with high temperatures in the 70s to low 80s. Scattered showers and storms possible Saturday and Sunday. High temperatures in the mid 70s to low 80s this weekend.
The State Emergency Operations Center is a very important part of any disaster or large scale incident. The teams that work in this room are trained, dedicated professionals who are passionate and worked diligently to keep Ohio safe.
#InTheEOC
Ohio is fortunate to have dedicated county emergency management teams working across the state to keep their communities safe and resilient. Thank you for all you do.
Today is Emergency Management Recognition Day in Ohio. See the video below for a message from Executive Director Sima Merick.
youtu.be/Zhf3WjxsJlw
@SimaMerick retweeted
With severe weather impacting the state be sure to know where to shelter safely and how to receive emergency notifications.
8/15/26
Tornado Warning including Saint Paris OH and Fletcher OH until 8:30 PM EDT
ALT This graphic displays a tornado warning plotted on a map. The warning is in effect until 8:30 PM EDT. The warning includes Saint Paris OH and Fletcher OH. This warning is for Southeastern Shelby County in west central Ohio, West central Champaign County in west central Ohio and Northeastern Miami County in west central Ohio. The threats associated with this warning are a radar indicated tornado and no hail is expected. There are 5,062 people in the warning along with 4 schools and 0 hospitals.
As the rain remains in the forecast, flooding will continue to be a concern. When driving, if you come across a flooded roadway - turn around, don’t take the risk. That quick action could save your life.
Today, I declared a state of emergency in Perry and Muskingum counties due to major flooding in several communities. Forecasts show severe weather will continue to impact the state over the next day, and I encourage everyone to pay close attention to weather alerts. My team continues to monitor the situation and will be ready to act when our communities need support. bit.ly/4ceuOrG
Ohio EMA is always proud to participate in the Ohio State Fair. Our team does a wonderful job sharing information on what we do to help keep Ohioans safe and resilient. #ReadyOhio.
I always enjoy going to the Ohio State Fair. It was good to see people enjoying their visit at the EMA display and playing our interactive severe weather word search.
Another great day at the Ohio State Fair. Pictured are EMA Director Merick and EM team members Anne Marie and Sidney. #ODPShero #ComeSeeUs
ALT Picture 1 shows three people wearing blue OhioDPS fair shirts at the Ohio State Fair. Picture 2 shows people playing an interactive word search game at the Ohio EMA fair display.
If you haven't been to the Ohio State Fair yet, there is still time! Be sure to swing by the EMA booth and say hello to our team!#ODPShero
Come visit the Ohio Emergency Management Agency at the #OhioStateFair inside the Bricker Building! There are several photo opportunities available for your family. Use #ODPShero to be shared on our big screen.
Today, Ohio EMA hosted the OSU John Glenn School Leadership Academy for Elected Officials. I was honored to welcome the group to our facility, the Emergency Operations Center. What a great way to promote emergency management and how it's important to "know us before you need us".
ALT Group of OSU leadership students being welcome in in the state emergency operations center.
@SimaMerick retweeted
With heavy rain in the forecast for much of the state, we want you to #BeInTheKnow and are sharing a reminder on flooding terms:
FLOOD WATCH: Be PREPARED.
FLOOD WARNING: Take ACTION.
FLASH FLOOD WARNING: Issued when a flash flood is imminent or occurring.
#BeInTheKnow
Each Ohio county is fortunate to have an emergency management agency who works diligently to keep their communities resilient and safe. #EMrockstars
When severe weather impacts your location it's smart to Be In The Know! A great resource to help keep you in the know is your county emergency management agency.
#KnowUsBeforeYouNeedUs
This week is Lightning Safety Awareness Week. The best time to learn how to be prepared is before the storm strikes - follow these tips my team put together to help keep Ohioans safe.
Today marks the start of #LightningSafetyAwarenessWeek! We will be posting lightning safety tips and information this week and encourage everyone to be aware and be prepared when it comes to lightning and thunderstorms. For more information, visit: bit.ly/44ajJTG
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.
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.
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!
Severe weather can bring power outages. Be aware and be prepared - have an emergency kit and a plan for power outages. Learn more at: bit.ly/3x1gSzJ
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 EMA.ohio.gov
#KnowUsBeforeYouNeedUs
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: bit.ly/48xIknu #OhioEMA
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