Kanawha County
Department of Homeland Security & Emergency Management
Kanawha-Charleston Evacuation Plans
Brochures & Information
Home Fire Alarm Installation
Kanawha County Emergency Management, in partnership with the American Red Cross, offers free smoke alarm installations for residents. To schedule, call (304) 357-0966 or the Red Cross at 1 (844) 216-8286. A qualified technician will install the alarm, and the Red Cross will provide 45 minutes of free fire safety training. Take steps to protect your home and family today.
Shelter-In-Place Guide
In certain emergencies, officials may issue a Shelter-In-Place order, covering areas from several blocks to a few miles. Alerts will be shared via local radio, TV, weather radio, social media, the KC Ready app, and reverse-911 calls.
Key steps to follow:
- Always have an information source available; rely only on official channels like Kanawha County social media.
- Prepare a Shelter-In-Place kit with heavy plastic sheeting, duct tape, and a battery-operated radio.
- Close and lock windows and doors; shut window coverings if explosion risk is present.
- Turn off fans, HVAC systems, and close fireplace dampers.
- Go to an interior, above-ground room without windows. For chemical threats, an above-ground room is safer.
- Bring pets along with food and water supplies.
- If possible, use a hard-wired phone for emergencies; avoid using it unless necessary.
Seal the room using plastic sheeting and duct tape around doors, windows, and vents. Stay tuned to official broadcasts until you’re informed it’s safe or instructed to evacuate.
After the “All Clear”:
- Open windows and doors to ventilate.
- Turn on heating/cooling systems.
- Go outside.
Kanawha Alert app
Emergencies are unpredictable, but the KanawhaAlert app keeps Kanawha County residents informed and prepared wherever they are. Designed to provide real-time alerts and critical updates on floods, winter storms, hazardous materials, and other threats, KanawhaAlert offers official notifications, safety features for all ages, and various weather and home safety tips.
The app also features live traffic updates, daily notifications, and local resources. Download the free Kanawha Alert app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. Stay prepared and informed with just a tap.
Quick Links
Have Questions?
We’re here to help! Whether you’re looking for more information on county services, need assistance with online tools, or have questions about upcoming events, feel free to reach out.