ANNOUNCEMENTS
We will periodically post important news and announcements here. For more frequent updates, check out our Facebook page:
New Public Safety App Released - 2/20/2024
The Marion County Emergency Management Agency and Marion County Sheriff's Department are excited to announce the release of a custom smartphone application. The app will serve as an innovative way for our organizations to connect with Marion County residents and visitors, providing information quickly and efficiently to anyone with a smartphone. A few of the examples of information found in the app are: Jail & Inmate Info, Divisions & Contact Info, Storm Shelter locations, School Closings, and US National Weather Service Birmingham Alabama notifications for severe weather. Use the QR code below or visit the App Store or Google Play to download today.
Fire Alert in Effect - 10/4/2023
A Fire Alert remains in effect across the state. The Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC) issued the burn restriction on September 22 because of the current drought situation, continued lack of precipitation, and high probability of fuel ignition. Since October is historically the state's driest month, drought conditions are expected to worsen.
Weather predictions for the upcoming weekend include the arrival of two cold fronts, potentially bringing low relative humidity and gusty winds. Risk of wildfire is extremely high right now; just about every region of the state has been experiencing a steady increase in wildfire activity. Effective Friday, October 6, permits for outdoor burning will no longer be issued until further notice. Anyone burning a field, grassland, or woodland without a burn permit may be subject to prosecution for committing a Class B misdemeanor. “The Fire Alert is not going away until we receive significant precipitation, meaning several inches of rainfall,” said State Forester Rick Oates. “Unfortunately, there is no rain in sight, so the restriction must remain in effect indefinitely. With this extremely dry weather, any fire can quickly spread out of control threatening lives and livelihood, not to mention destroying our forests.”
According to AFC Fire Analyst Ethan Barrett, “Another thing to consider during drought conditions is that fires may persist or smolder for days in piles of debris. If anyone has burned in the past few days, they should closely monitor the burned area to prevent re-ignition of embers. In light fuels such as grass and leaves, there is potential for escape of fires. Large diameter fuels (limbs 3’ or greater in size), may continue to burn for days, if not weeks.”
To report a wildfire, call the Alabama Forestry Commission at (800) 392-5679. For more information on the current wildfire situation in the state or any other forestry-related issues, contact your local AFC office or visit the agency website at www.forestry.alabama.gov/Pages/Fire/Totals.aspx. The Alabama Forestry Commission is the state agency committed to protecting Alabama’s invaluable forest assets as well as its citizens.
Request for Proposal (RFP) issued - 8/29/2022
Marion County Emergency Communications District (Marion County E-911) is issuing a request for sealed bids on a state-of-the-art, IP Radio Dispatch Console system. Interested vendors should review the RFP (linked below) for further information. Copies are also available for pickup at the Marion County E-911 office, 650 3rd Ave SW, Hamilton, AL 35570.
Status: Closed. Awarded to Mobile Communications America (Avtec Scout System)
Release Date: August 29th, 2022
Closing Date: September 26th, 2022 at 4:00 PM (CDT)
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Issues with VOIP Calls Resolved - 3/28/2022
The issue affecting Voice-Over-IP (VOIP) calls has been resolved. The issue was caused by a problem with the Bandwidth VOIP network. VOIP phone users should once again be able to dial 911 without issue.
We would like to take this as an opportunity to remind everyone to make sure the home or business address registered on their VOIP account is correct. VOIP calls are not routed the same way as traditional landlines. Instead, they rely on the user to register the correct address with their VOIP provider when they first setup the service. If the user moves to a new address, they must manually update that information with their VOIP provider. Making sure your address is registered correctly helps ensure that your 911 call will be routed to the correct dispatch center in an emergency.
Issues with VOIP Calls - 3/22/2022
We are currently experiencing issues receiving Voice Over IP (VOIP) calls. If you try to dial 911 from a VOIP phone, your call may not complete. If you have a home or business phone through your internet provider, it is likely a VOIP service. While this issue is ongoing, we suggest to avoid calling 911 from a VOIP phone. Instead, if you need to call 911, first try to call from a cell phone (if available). If no cell phone is available, the best solution is to call our business line at (205)-921-0911. We are told the calls are being dropped before they reach our center, and our tech support is currently working with the VOIP provider to find a solution.
Outdoor Warning Sirens not functioning - 3/9/2022
Per Marion County EMA, a significant number of the County's outdoor warning sirens are not functioning at this time. EMA is working on a solution. We always recommend using newer technology such as NOAA Weather Radios or phone apps to receive warnings, however it is now crucial that you DO NOT rely on any outdoor warning sirens. NOAA Weather Radios are inexpensive, and can be found at many stores. They can also be ordered online from numerous sources, as shown at the following link: https://www.weather.gov/nwr/nwr_receivers#residential. If you need help programming a weather radio, please see our Weather Radio page. Additionally, there are many cell phone apps available that incorporate severe weather warnings.
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New Website Launched - 2/2022
Our new website has been launched with the intent of creating greater community outreach, as well as assembling important, frequently requested information for our citizens. The site also makes it easier for citizens to request new 911 addresses, and update their existing addresses. Please browse the site to see how we can help you, and also how you can help us better direct response to emergencies in our county.