I keep seeing the phrase "Know Your Zone".  What does that mean?

"Know Your Zone" means that you should know what emergency zone you live in.  Madison County is broken up into 13 separate emergency zones (click here to see a map).  If an situation arises where we need to advise certain areas of the county to take action, the EMA will do that over radio and TV by zones.

What is the Immediate Response Zone?

The Immediate Response Zone, or IRZ, is the area located 6.2 miles surrounding the Blue Grass Chemical Activity.  In the event of a chemical incident, these are the zones that must react quickly for their own protections (click here to view).

What does "Shelter In Place" mean?

Shelter In Place is a protective measure in case of a chemical release.  Citizens are advised to go inside and isolate themselves from the outside air.

Wouldn't it be better to get in my car and leave?

No.  You have to realize that if an event should happen, the roads would instantly become gridlocked with thousands of other citizens with the same idea.  The risk of being hurt in an accident is much greater than sheltering in place.

I don't have one of those radios you give out.  Why not?

Tone Alert Radios and Shelter In Place starter kits are distributed within the Immediate Response Zone only (zones 1 & 2).  At this time, the Army has not provided funding for distribution throughout the rest of Madison county

I have a Tone Alert Radio and it keeps making this annoying noise.  How do I fix it?

Depending on your radio model, there are two ways to reset the radio.  Click here for the reset procedure.

I am getting ready to move.  Can I take my tone alert radio with me?

No, tone alert radios are assigned to addresses.  If you do leave your current residence, you should leave the radio, as well.  If you are moving within the IRZ and do not have a tone alert radio at your new home, contact the EMA at 624-4787 and we will arrange for you to get one.

How likely is it that there will ever be a chemical release from the Depot?

Highly unlikely.  The biggest threats to the chemicals while they are in storage are a direct lightning strike, earthquake, or plane crash.  Even then, it has to get through several feet of dirt and concrete to even get to the chemicals.

How much longer will the chemicals be around?

According to our latest estimate from the Army, the chemicals should be disposed of by 2023.