Community

Athens County Emergency Management Agency is continually assessing and monitoring potential storms, snow/ice impacts, increase in risk of floods, droughts and other inclement weather, that could cause a disruption in the day to day life of our community. We keep our community aware of the impeding impact through media channels like our Facebook Page, Hyper-Reach, and other ways that can be found on our Notification page.

Weather
Snow Level Definition:

During the possibility of inclement winter weather, the Athens County Sheriff's Office will identify the safety of the roads by identifying them in levels. This is extremely important to the safety of those who frequent the roads in Athens County. For the most recent status level of the road conditions within Athens County, the Athens County Sheriff's Facebook page will be your source of truth.

Level One Alert: Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow. Roads may also be icy. Motorists are urged to drive cautiously.

Level Two Advisory: Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow. Roads may also be icy. Only those who feel it is necessary to drive should be out on the roads. Contact your employer to see if you should report to work. Motorists should use extreme caution.

Level Three Emergency: All roadways are closed to non-emergency personnel. No one should be driving during these conditions unless it is absolutely necessary to travel, or a personal emergency exists. All employees should contact their employer to see if they should report to work. Those traveling on the roads may subject themselves to arrest.

Try to avoid traveling on any roadways that haven't been plowed and/or salted as there is an increased risk for an accident. The fewer drivers on the road, the safer it will be for emergency personnel and transportation employees responsible for clearing snow and ice. Use best judgment based on driving skills, vehicle, roadway conditions and necessity to travel in order to determine if driving during a level is the safest choice.

For visibility of roads outside of Athens County, #KNOWBEFOREYOUGO visit OHGO.com to get real-time traffic updates, personalized with route notifications, view live traffic cameras and accurate delay times. You can also download the OHGO App from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

Warming/Cooling Stations:
During periods of extreme cold and heat it is not uncommon for there to be a loss of power. Warming or cooling stations, which are locations that may have generators or did not lose power, are accessible to those in need of a place to get warm or cool, charge mobile electronics (examples; cell phones, laptops, tablets). While many will open their doors to their neighbors or family these are open to all within the community. The Athens County Emergency Management Agency during an event will share on it's Facebook page a current list of organizations and businesses that reach out to us that are volunteering to provide these accommodations. We discourage seeking warming, cooling or charging electronics at any actively providing care healthcare facility.
If you are dependent on medical equipment and are without power please ensure you contact your healthcare support agency for guidance on accommodations.

Reporting Storm/Weather/Flood Damage:
Did you know it is extremely important to report any and all damage to homes, property and businesses? Reporting your damage could result in reimbursement, declaration of emergency and help in obtaining critical funding and resources for our community to improve the preparation for an emergency event.

The process and forms can be confusing or difficult to navigate, which is why we are here to help you. Please contact the Athens County Emergency Management Agency at phone: 740-594-2261, email: acema@athensoh.org, or send us a message on Facebook.

Tax Relief Available Damage from Extreme Weather:
Property owners of real estate and manufactured homes may claim a reduction in the taxable value of their property for any damage that has occurred due to extreme weather. Property owners must file an application with the county auditor in a timely manner. The amount of the reduction is prorated based on the calendar quarter in which the damage occurred.

Even if damage is repaired promptly, property owners should take pictures of the damage and file them with the notarized application.

Applications/Forms can be downloaded from the Athens County Auditor's website atwww.athenscountyauditor.org
Form DTE 26 – Application for Valuation Deduction for Destroyed or Damaged Real Property
Form DTE 49 – Application for Tax Refund or Waiver for Destroyed or Damaged Manufactured Homes

For assistance or questions you may contact the Auditor's Office at 740-592-3223
Notarized applications and any supporting documents can be mailed to:
Athens County Auditor
15 S. Court Street
Rm 330
Athens, OH, 45701