Mercer County E-911

01/11/2025

Here are some ways to stay safe and make the most of your snowy day:

1. **Stay Warm:** Keep your home heated and dress in layers. Make sure you have blankets and warm clothing.

2. **Emergency Kit:** Ensure your emergency kit is stocked with essentials like flashlights, batteries, first-aid supplies, and non-perishable food.

3. **Stay Connected:** Keep your phone charged and stay in touch with family and friends. Have a list of emergency contacts handy.

4. **Entertainment:** Use this time to relax and enjoy indoor activities like reading, watching movies, playing board games, or trying out a new recipe.

5. **Check on Neighbors:** If it's safe, check in on elderly or vulnerable neighbors to make sure they have everything they need.

Remember, in case of emergencies, dial 9-1-1.
We're here to support you. Stay safe, Mercer County!

01/05/2025

As winter weather moves through the region, it is imperative that all residents exercise extreme caution and avoid unnecessary travel. Road conditions are dangerous, with slick, hazardous surfaces that have already led to multiple traffic accidents across Mercer County.

The Department of Highways is working diligently to treat and clear roadways, but operations will take time given the severity and ongoing nature of this storm.

Attempting to venture out in these conditions puts you and others at great risk of harm. The forecast indicates snow will transition to freezing rain and sleet as the evening progresses, further exacerbating dangers on roads and highways.

For your own wellbeing and the safety of the community, please stay home and off the roads for the duration of this weather event unless travel is absolutely essential.

Together, we can weather this storm by using sound judgment and putting safety first until conditions improve. As always, stay warm, stay safe, and check on any neighbors who may need assistance.

12/31/2024

Happy New Year's Eve from Mercer County 9-1-1!

🎉 Wishing you a safe and joyous celebration. Remember, if you need assistance, we're here for you.

Stay safe and have a wonderful night!

12/25/2024

12/24/2024

🎄✨ Merry Christmas Eve from Your 911 Dispatchers!

As we gather with loved ones and reflect on the magic of the holiday season, we want to take a moment to extend our warmest wishes to everyone in our community.

**Thank You:** To all the wonderful people we serve, thank you for your trust and support throughout the year. Your safety and well-being are our top priorities.

**Stay Safe:** While we hope your celebrations are filled with joy and peace, please remember to stay safe. We are here, ready to assist, 24/7, should you need us.

**Heartfelt Appreciation:** Special shout-out to all emergency responders and their families who sacrifice so much to keep our community safe. Your dedication and bravery are truly inspiring.

May your Christmas Eve be filled with warmth, love, and countless blessings. From our 911 family to yours, have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Stay safe, stay merry, and know that we are always here for you. 🎅🎁❤️

Warm wishes,
Your Mercer County 911 Dispatch Team

12/04/2024

🌨️ **Watch Out for Black Ice This Winter!** 🌨️

Hey, everyone! Your friends at 9-1-1 Dispatch here with a crucial winter safety reminder. As temperatures drop, the risk of black ice increases. Black ice is a thin, nearly invisible layer of ice on the road that can turn your morning commute into a slippery adventure. Here are some tips to stay safe:

1. **Drive Slowly:** Reduce your speed and increase following distance to give yourself more time to react.
2. **Avoid Sudden Movements:** Gentle braking and steering will help you maintain control.
3. **Use Headlights:** Turn on your headlights to improve visibility and help you spot icy patches.
4. **Stay Alert:** Keep an eye out for shaded areas and bridges, which tend to freeze first.
5. **Prepare Your Vehicle:** Ensure your tires are properly inflated and have enough tread for winter conditions.

Stay safe and drive carefully! If you encounter an emergency, we’re always here to help. Let’s make this winter season accident-free! ❄️🚗⛑️

Share this post to spread the word! #9-1-1Dispatch

12/03/2024

Strong and gusty winds along with mountain showers are expected Wednesday night into Thursday. Winds may gust as high as 50-60 mph above 3000 feet. In the meantime, today and tonight will be very cold, with mostly sunny skies developing.

12/03/2024

Colder weather is here! ❄️ Prepare your home for winter by insulating pipes, sealing leaks, and testing your heating system. Ready.gov has more tips: ready.gov/winter-weather.

11/12/2024

If you are interested in a full-time career as an Emergency 9-1-1 Telecommunicator, we are hiring!

Please visit our website, www.mercer911.com or stop by the Mercer County 9-1-1 Administration Office and pick up an application!

10/31/2024

Today during the Mercer County 9-1-1 Authority Board meeting, we had the opportunity to recognize 14 of incredible 9-1-1 dispatchers who went above and beyond during Hurricane Helene.

Thank you for your unwavering dedication and courage during one of our community’s most challenging times. Your prompt responses and exceptional handling of countless emergency calls not only saved lives but also provided much-needed reassurance to those in distress.

In recognition of your extraordinary service, we are honored to present each of you with Certificates of Appreciation and Letters of Recognition. These tokens of gratitude are a testament to your tireless efforts and the crucial role you play in keeping our community safe.

Your professionalism, resilience, and compassion embody the very spirit of service. Thank you for being the heroes behind the scenes.

With heartfelt appreciation,
Mercer County 9-1-1 Administration
🚒🚑👮‍♀️

10/31/2024

🎃 Happy Halloween from your local 9-1-1 Emergency Services! 🎃

As you and your little ghouls and goblins hit the streets for some spooky fun, remember to stay safe:

- Stick to well-lit areas and only visit homes with their porch lights on.
- Check all treats before indulging to ensure they’re safe to eat.
- Wear reflective gear or carry a flashlight to stay visible to drivers.
- Always have a plan to stay in touch with your group.

Let’s make this Halloween not only fun but safe for everyone. Enjoy the festivities and remember, we're here if you need us. Stay safe and have a hauntingly good time! 👻🚑👮‍♂️

Happy Halloween! 🎃👻

10/28/2024

“As the Mercer County 9-1-1 Director, I want to extend my deepest gratitude and respect to all first responders on this National First Responders Day. Every day, you answer the call of duty with unparalleled courage, dedication, and professionalism. Your relentless efforts save lives and bring comfort to our communities in their most critical moments.

Today, we honor your unwavering commitment and the sacrifices you make to keep us safe. You embody the true spirit of service and resilience, and for that, we are forever grateful. Thank you for being the backbone of our emergency response system and for your continued dedication to the well-being of all.

Let us take this day to reflect on your invaluable contributions and to celebrate each and every one of you who stands ready to respond at a moment's notice.”

Stay safe and keep inspiring us all. 🚑🚒👮‍♂️

10/02/2024

Please use your cell phone to take a picture of this QR code and participate in a Damage Assessment Survey. This survey is not an application for aid. It is used to collect information on the extent of damages in Mercer County. Once the information is assessed by county, state and federal emergency management staff, further details will be provided on how to apply for assistance.

10/02/2024

Residents, if you need resources:

SURVEY:

📌 We’re asking every resident (Bluefield, WV) to take the Damage Assessment Survey. This helps us (and the state) understand the scope of the storm impact. It’s brief and if you have photographs, please attach them. Whether you’re filing an insurance claim or not, this Damage Survey helps us understand the scope of damage. Here is the link:

https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/de033ec0327f4a5db41884eb5fc0974b

POWER:

📌 For the most recent updates about power in your neighborhood, or to report an outage, visit: https://www.appalachianpower.com/outages

FOOD/BASIC NEEDS:

📌 There are Blessing Boxes throughout the City and many have been restocked in the past day. Take what you need, leave what you can. Locations include: Bluefield Police Dept., The Wade Center, Tiffany Manor, King Bridge Apts., & Cumberland Road Church of God.

📌 If you have additional basic needs requests, reach out to United Way at 2-1-1.

📌 The Red Cross is currently in Bluefield assessing the damage. If you need resources, call: (304) 340-3650. Or here is the link: https://www.redcross.org/get-help.html (https://www.redcross.org/get-help.html)

HOTELS:

📌 If you are aware of a lineman from out-of-state that needs lodging, call the Mercer County Tourism Office at (304) 325-8438.

SHOWERS/LAUNDRY:

📌 Showers are available at FitRec on College Ave Monday-Friday from 5 a.m. until 8 p.m. Be sure to take your own towels and shower supplies.

📌 In Princeton, Walmart has mobile shower & units set-up. These are available daily from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. These are free. Be sure to take your own towels, shower supplies, and laundry supplies.

PHONE CHARGING:

📌 If you need to charge your phone or electronic devices, FitRec will let you charge your devices. Just bring your cord(s).

TREES/ORGANIC DEBRIS:

📌 You can drop off organic debris at City Park by the Little League field Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. This is only leaves, tree branches, etc. Not household trash.

📌 To report fallen trees or large trees in need of cutting, please contact Keirstyn Woody via email [email protected] or call 304-327-2401 ext, 2408. Due to the volume of calls, if you reach the voicemail please make sure to include your name, address, email and phone number.

📌 Trash will be picked up on the normal schedule. Be sure everything is bagged neatly, and does not weigh more than 40 #, set up on the curb in your usual spot.

📌 Please ensure your storm drain is free & clear of debris.

Thank you for your assistance!

09/30/2024

Send a message to learn more

09/28/2024

Mercer County remains united in its response. Please prioritize safety and patience as our teams work diligently to provide comprehensive support.

Thank you!!!

09/16/2024

As the seasons change, so is the risk of brush and wild fires in our area., Wildfires can start from a variety of sources, both natural and human-made. Here are some common causes and prevention methods:

How do Wildfires Start?

Natural Causes:

Lightning ⚡️ One of the most common natural causes. A lightning strike can ignite dry vegetation, leading to a wildfire.

Human Causes:

Campfires 🔥 : Unattended or improperly extinguished campfires can spread to nearby vegetation.

Ci******es 🚬: Discarded cigarette butts can ignite dry grass and leaves.

Arson: Intentional setting of fires.

Equipment Use: Sparks from machinery, vehicles, or power lines can ignite fires.

Debris Burning: Uncontrolled burning of yard waste or other debris.

Prevention Methods:

*Build campfires in designated areas away from flammable materials.

*Ensure campfires are completely extinguished before leaving.

*Use proper receptacles for cigarette disposal.

*Regularly maintain vehicles and machinery to prevent sparks.

*Conduct controlled burns to manage vegetation and reduce fuel for potential wildfires.

*Ensure controlled burns are supervised by professionals.

By understanding the causes and implementing these prevention methods, we can significantly reduce the risk of wildfires and protect our communities and natural resources.