April 5, 2017 | Donald Schwind COVID-19 has brought out those persons who want to scam and fraud you. If you think you may be victim, call us at 614-525-2125. For information on what to look out for and how to protect yourself, Click here; Report-COVID-19-fraud_flyer and COVID-19-scams_brochure Text-to-911 is now available in Franklin County. For detailed information, go the text-to-911 Website at https://commissioners.franklincountyohio.gov/text-to-911. A one-minute video is featured on the Website that answer many questions, including those shown below. When to Use it You are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability. If you cannot speak due to an injury or medical condition. You are in a threatening situation and a voice call could increase the threat. If you cannot speak due to an injury or medical condition. How it Works Enter the numbers 911 in the “To” field Text the exact location of the emergency Briefly describe what kind of help you need Push the “Send” button Respond to any questions you receive Follow instructions given by dispatcher If you’re driving, pull over when it’s safe. Do not text and drive! Frequently Asked Questions Q: What kind of phone or phone service do I need to be able to text to 911? Any text enabled phone or tablet with a data service plan that allows texts will work, regardless of service provider. Q: Where is text-to-911 available? Text-to-911 is available throughout Franklin County. The only other Central Ohio jurisdiction able to receive text to 911 is Delaware County. Elsewhere in the state or country, the service is very limited. Q: If I text-to-911, will the dispatcher know my location? No. Be sure to provide your location and the nature of your emergency when you text. Q: Can I text in another language or just English? Emergency dispatchers use translation services to understand phone calls in different languages. These services are not currently available for texts. Q: Do emergency texts receive priority? No. They are treated like any other text message, and subject to the same possible delays, reliance on signal strength, etcetera. Q: Can I text a picture or video? No. Emergency dispatchers cannot right now receive pictures, video, or emojis via text. Likewise, they cannot receive messages that are part of a group text chain or with more than one recipient. Q: Can I text police for a non-emergency inquiry? No. Text-to-911, like calling 911 on the phone, is reserved for emergencies Here are some great tips for staying safe and warm in the snow. http://ohiodnr.gov/winter-recreation/recreation/winter-safety Thank you to our friends at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Safety tips for driving in the rain; Driving in the Rain Do you live in Worthington Hills and own a golf cart? Do you want to drive it legally? On June 6, 2018, the Board of Trustees adopted Sharon Twp. Resolution No. 06062018A that allows street legal golf carts and other similar vehicles to be operated in Worthington Hills. For more information, please see Letter to Residents and Low-Speed, Under-Speed, Utility and Mini-Truck Information Kit How to help protect yourself and your business from Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) concealed as packages: NETF Awareness Bulletin Two Fatalities in Austin TX from IEDs Concealed as Packages (FINAL) 201 The following article is copied from the Franklin County Emergency Management and Homeland Security Website September is National Preparedness Month! Franklin County Emergency Management & Homeland Security (FCEM&HS) reminds residents to plan and prepare for all hazards and emergencies before they happen. This year’s theme is “Disasters Don’t Plan Ahead. You Can.” The campaign emphasizes the need for all residents to take action now and prepare. By knowing how to respond and what to do when disaster strikes, residents can help their neighbors and the community in times of need. Throughout National Preparedness Month, FCEM&HS will feature a different preparedness theme each week on Facebook and Twitter. Weekly themes include: Make a Plan for Yourself, Family and Friends Plan to Help Your Neighbor and Community Practice and Build Out Your Plans Get Involved! Be a Part of Something Larger Residents are encouraged to be informed about the top risks facing Franklin County, have an emergency supply kit and register for ALERT Franklin County at www.alertfranklincounty.org to receive important information and weather alerts. For more information on National Preparedness Month, visit www.ready.gov