217 E Myrtle St

Independence, KS 67301

620-330-1200

Independence, KS 67301

Emergency Apps

Emergencies

Floods are one of the most common and dangerous natural disasters and can cause a lot of damage to life and property, so it is important to know how to survive a flood. 

  • Before a flood, prepare an emergency kit with essential items such as water, food, flashlight, radio, phone charger, batteries, first aid kit, medications, and important documents. Have a plan of where to go and how to communicate with your family in case of an evacuation. 
  • During a flood, listen to the official updates and follow the instructions of the authorities. Evacuate as soon as possible if you are in a dangerous area or if you are told to do so. Avoid walking, swimming, or driving through flood waters, as they can be fast-moving, contaminated, or electrified. Stay away from bridges, dams, and levees that can collapse or be washed away by the water.
  • After a flood, be careful when returning home. Check for structural damage, gas leaks, electrical hazards, and mold before entering your home. Disinfect and dry everything that got wet to prevent diseases and infections. Contact your insurance company and document the damage for your claim. 

For more information on surviving a flood, click here to visit the ready.gov site.

Be Prepared for a Flood Factsheet

Tornadoes are violently rotating columns of air that extend from a thunderstorm to the ground. Tornadoes can destroy buildings, flip cars, and create deadly flying debris.

A tornado can…

  • Happen anytime and anywhere.
  • Bring intense winds, over 200 miles per hour.
  • Look like funnels.

If you are under a tornado or severe weather warning:

  • Go to NOAA Weather Radio and your local news or official social media accounts for updated emergency information. Follow the instructions of state, local and tribal officials. 
  • Go to a safe shelter immediately, such as a safe room, basement, storm cellar or a small interior room on the lowest level of a sturdy building.
  • Stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls.
  • Do not go under an overpass or bridge. You’re safer in a low, flat location.
  • Watch out for flying debris that can cause injury or death.
  • Use your arms to protect your head and neck.
  • If you can’t stay at home, make plans to go to a public shelter.

For more information, click here to visit the ready.gov site.

Along with the American Red Cross – FEMA has an emergency app to assist families with planning for an emergency. 

The FEMA App is your personalized disaster resource, so you feel empowered and ready to take charge of any disaster life throws your way.  

Download today on iOS or Android

PLAN.

Learn how to prepare for common hazards quickly and easily. The FEMA App can help you learn basic preparedness strategies like how to create a family emergency communication plan, what to pack in your emergency kit, and what to do immediately after a disaster. 

PROTECT.

Knowing when and how to protect yourself, your loved ones and your property during a disaster can make all the difference.  With the FEMA App, you can receive real-time weather and emergency alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five locations nationwide.  It can also help you find a nearby shelter if you need to evacuate to a safe space.

RECOVER.

The FEMA App gives you the tools you need to recover after a disaster. Find out if your location is eligible for FEMA assistance, find Disaster Recovery Center locations, and get answers to your most pressing questions.  Instantly connect with FEMA’s disaster resources so you find the help that you need when you need it most. 

Learn more on the FEMA App webpage.

After an emergency, you may need to survive on your own for several days. Being prepared means having your own foodwater and other supplies to last for several days. A disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency.

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Make sure your emergency kit is stocked with the items on the checklist below. Download a printable version to take with you to the store. Once you take a look at the basic items consider what unique needs your family might have, such as supplies for pets or seniors.

Contact Us

Rick Whitson

Director

Email

PO Box 507
Independence, KS 67301

Phone: (620) 330-1260
Fax: (620) 330-1269

Hours: Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm

Located on the basement level on the Judicial Building.