Newsletter

Welcome! Every month Lancaster Emergency Management Agency features preparedness information, safety campaigns and training opportunities. In addition to the monthly newsletter there are featured newsletters highlighting seasonal preparedness information, volunteer opportunities and additional highlighted information. Sign up today to receive monthly newsletter via email! 

Spring Flowers in the rainMarch Preparedness Newsletter

The March Preparedness Newsletter will highlight spring & flood safety, 9-1-1 communications, the 3rd annual LEPC Summit and more. 

Spring and Flood Safety  

March marks the beginning of flood safety awareness for Lancaster County. Flooding is the most common hazard in Lancaster County and most common natural disaster in the United States. Heading into the Spring months, it is important to refresh yourself and others on the importance of flood safety to keep yourself and your community safe!  

Know the difference between a Flood Watch and a Flood Warning:  

A Flood/Flash Flood WATCH means a flood or flash flood could potentially occur.  

A Flood/Flash Flood WARNING means flood or flash flood is actively occurring or will occur soon.  

At Home Preparedness for Floods:  

  • Know your risk for flooding: Depending on where your home is located, you may be at a higher risk of property damages.  
  • Clean gutters and downspouts: Routine cleaning can help ensure that water flows away from the foundation of the home.  
  • Elevate important utilities: Securing important utilities such as water heaters and electrical panels at a higher level can reduce the risk of damage.  
  • Stock up on non-perishables: Stocking up on supplies such as non-perishable food and drinking water can support your household if roads are closed or utilities are shut off.

At Home Flood Preparedness tips Helpful Flood Safety Tips: 

  • Be aware! Stay current on the latest forecasts and potentially hazardous conditions, including signing up for weather alerts and watching local news.
  • Be prepared. Prepare an emergency bag in the event you need to evacuate. Know how and where to evacuate.
  • Turn around, don’t drown. Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters. 6 inches of fast-moving water can knock an adult down, and 12 inches can carry away a vehicle.
  • Wait for the all clear. Wait for the all clear from authorities to return home safety.

Springtime Safety Hazards for PetsPet Preparedness Checklist with cat and dog

  • Easter Flowers and treats. Flowers like lilies and azaleas are toxic to cats and dogs and can even be fatal. Many Easter candies can also cause pets to get sick. So, when bringing these spring decorations into your home ensure they are out of reach of your pets! 
  • Warmer weather bringing pests. Consider medicating your pets to repel parasites like fleas and ticks. Especially for animals that are taken outdoors. 
  • Remember basic pet preparedness. Having a go-kit prepared for your pet, keeping their microchip information updated, and ensuring that your pets have some form of identification can help keep them safe against year-round hazards. 


Lancaster Bible College Career Day 2/12  LBC Career Fair, two women standing behind a display table

The Lancaster Emergency Management Division attended Lancaster Bible College’s career fair for their criminal justice students. Students were able to learn more about Emergency Management and how it ties into the field of criminal justice. Students also participate in a communication exercise using walkie-talkies and LEGOs.  

9-1-1 Communications for February 2026

Well done to our 9-1-1 communications team! In the month of February, they answered 30,058 calls! 

  • 911 calls- 11,591
  • Non-emergency calls- 18,422
  • Outgoing calls- 6,430

In total there were 36,488 calls coming in and out of communication center!

Staff Accomplishments

Please join us in congratulating DPS employees Melanie, Mike, Jimmy, and Courtney on successfully completing L-105: Public Information Officer (PIO) Basics!

They joined a diverse group of public safety and infrastructure professionals from across the region (including PA and NY) to strengthen their knowledge of strategic communications, message development, and planning for both preparedness campaigns and crisis situations.

Effective communication is critical to public safety — whether we’re educating our community before an emergency or providing clear, timely information during one. By investing in this training, these team members are helping ensure our Department of Public Safety remains prepared to inform, engage, and serve our community with professionalism and confidence.

We’re proud of your continued commitment to growth and excellence!a diverse group of public safety and infrastructure professionals from across the region

3rd Annual Lancaster County LEPC SummitLEPC Summit 2026- room full of people with a speaker

The 3rd Annual Lancaster County LEPC Summit was held on February 19, 2026. The summit included six presentations from various speakers highlighting the different roles and capabilities in Emergency Management.   

Thank you to all of our speakers:

  • Dan Brown- Lancaster County Solid Waste Management Authority
  • Ashley Nilson, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
  • Gary Verna, Lebanon County Department of Emergency Services
  • Lori Shenk, Rapho Township Local Emergency Management Coordinator 
  • Julie Bard-Zeigler, Rettew 
  • Zach Gibbons, Lancaster County Department of Public Safety Emergency Management Division