Mercer County Emergency Management Agency Director Chad Wilrath says planning for major events like the Mercer County Fair begins long before the gates open, with weather, traffic, emergency response and public safety all part of the preparations.

Wilrath joined WCSM’s Spectrum live from the Mercer County Fair Monday along with Mercer County EMA Specialist Cassidy Freeman to discuss the work that takes place behind the scenes during the fair and how the agency responds when severe weather threatens the area.

Wilrath said planning for each year’s fair essentially begins as soon as the previous fair ends. The EMA works with the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, local fire and EMS departments and the Mercer County Fair Board to review and update the fairgrounds emergency plan each year. The plan covers everything from ride safety and traffic flow to fire response, medical emergencies and severe weather.

Weather has been one of the biggest challenges during this year’s fair. Wilrath said the EMA’s rain gauge had measured about five inches of rain at the fairgrounds, creating muddy conditions and forcing changes to parking. Despite those challenges, he credited the fair board and others involved with keeping events moving forward.

The EMA also works closely with the National Weather Service during large events. Wilrath said the agency can provide the Weather Service with the dates of major events such as the fair, allowing meteorologists to closely monitor conditions and send detailed forecasts to local decision-makers. If lightning or severe weather begins approaching, the National Weather Service can also contact Wilrath directly so information can quickly be relayed to fair officials.

Freeman plays a major role in that process by continuously monitoring weather conditions for the EMA. Wilrath said the agency combines information from the National Weather Service with local observations to determine what precautions may be needed.

Wilrath also stressed the importance of trained weather spotters. Because Mercer County sits some distance from National Weather Service radar sites, low-level rotation or other dangerous conditions may not always be clearly visible on radar. Reports from trained spotters in Mercer County and neighboring areas can provide valuable information that is then shared with dispatchers, law enforcement, the EMA and meteorologists.

When severe weather does strike, Wilrath says residents should move to an interior room away from windows and avoid being outside whenever possible. He also reminded residents that vehicles are not an ideal shelter during tornadoes or strong wind events.

After a storm, Wilrath urged people to remain cautious around downed power lines, trees and debris and to allow emergency crews room to work. He said residents should check on family members, neighbors and pets, but avoid driving through damaged areas simply to look at storm damage because increased traffic can interfere with emergency responders.

Flooded roads are another major concern. Wilrath said motorists should never assume standing water is safe to drive through because the roadway underneath could be washed away. Attempting to cross floodwater can also require first responders to perform a rescue, tying up resources that may be needed elsewhere.

For homeowners who experience storm or flood damage, Wilrath recommends reviewing insurance coverage before severe weather occurs and contacting an insurance agent or adjuster after damage happens. Residents can also report significant damage to the Mercer County EMA. The agency tracks damage throughout the county and submits that information to the Ohio Emergency Management Agency, which can become important if damage reaches thresholds for additional assistance or resources.

Wilrath said the goal is to prepare for potential emergencies before they happen while making sure local agencies and the public have the information they need when conditions begin to change.