Executive Director, Ohio EMA; Past President of the National Emergency Management Association (NEMA); Ohio Emergency Management Professional
Joined October 2019
- Tweets 715
- Following 169
- Followers 342
- Likes 532
65 Photos and videos
Jun 4
Enjoyed the @OHSchoolSafety Summit this week—especially seeing my team engaged with our partners. Thanks to Ohio EMA’s Sean Miller for his great presentation on Severe Weather Awareness and Preparedness with OSSC and @NWSCLE.
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May 18
Ohio EMA continues to strengthen partnership and information‑sharing efforts. Hosting groups like the Ethiopian Public Health team for a facility tour helps us build new connections and expand collaboration across communities.
Earlier this month, Ohio EMA Emergency Operations Center Manager Mike Staff gave a tour of the State EOC to the Ethiopian Public Health Department. Strong relationships with all of our partners are critical.
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Apr 20
Each hazard has consequences. Power outages are one of the consequences of severe weather - plan in advance so you are prepared for an outage. Understand generator safety, have battery powered lanterns & flashlights, have several ways to receive alerts. Don't be left in the dark!
Severe weather can bring power outages. Be aware and be prepared - have an emergency kit and a plan for power outages. Learn more at: bit.ly/3x1gSzJ
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Apr 13
Remember that planning is the first step to preparedness. Part of planning is having an emergency plan and a go-bag.
Learn more about being prepared at EMA.ohio.gov
#KnowUsBeforeYouNeedUs
Keeping an emergency kit in your home can help you stay prepared. Here are some essential items to include in your kit.
To learn more, visit: bit.ly/48xIknu #OhioEMA
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Mar 19
Being prepared for severe weather is one of the most important things you can do. This week offers the opportunity to think about your emergency plan and know what you can do to keep you, your family, and your property safe. #Preparedness #Mitigation
Severe Weather Awareness Week runs from March 15-21. This is a good opportunity to review your severe weather plans. See the video for more information and a message from Ohio EMA Director Sima Merick.
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Mar 13
It’s always good to see Ken Graham, Director of National Weather Service. We have forged a bond that has lasted for years and I am thrilled to spend time with him at NEMA.
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@SimaMerick retweeted
It is NEVER safe to drive or walk into flood waters. Turn around, don't drown!
For more information on flood safety, visit: bit.ly/4jb3qMa #OhioEMA
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@SimaMerick retweeted
Mar 4
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Feb 25
I enjoyed touring the NWS Forecast Office Wilmington OH this week. I appreciate the knowledgeable teams and strong partnerships we continue to share with the NWS offices that serve Ohio. #NWSILN #OhioEMA #Partnerships
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@SimaMerick retweeted
The annual Severe Weather Awareness Poster Contest is accepting submissions until March 20, 2026. Ohio students in kindergarten through eighth grade are encouraged to participate. See the rules and entry form at: bit.ly/3OdqaOk
The annual Severe Weather Awareness Poster Contest is accepting submissions until March 20, 2026. Ohio students in kindergarten through eighth grade are encouraged to participate.
See the rules and entry form at: bit.ly/3OdqaOk #OCSWA
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Feb 18
I am proud of my team as they work to shape the future of the State Joint Information Center. Public information helps bring the right message to the right people at the right time. During a disaster messaging matters.
#KnowUsBeforeYouNeedUs
Today, public information officers (PIOs) from several state agencies met at Ohio EMA to discuss procedures in the Joint Information Center (JIC). During an incident, PIOs support emergency operation by facilitating the dissemination of timely, accurate information to the public.
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@SimaMerick retweeted
Having a weather radio in your emergency kit can ensure you have access to accurate and important information, even when your power is out. To learn more, visit: bit.ly/48xIknu #OhioEMA
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Feb 3
I appreciated the opportunity to speak with @DougPetcash @10TV to discuss the recent snowstorm and extreme cold temperatures which followed.
Thank you to @DougPetcash for speaking with Ohio EMA Executive Director Sima Merick today about Ohio's recent snowstorm and the extreme cold temperatures in the state. Be sure to tune into @10TV's Face the State at 11:30am Sunday morning!
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@SimaMerick retweeted
Remember to bring in your pets when temperatures drop! Make sure you have enough supplies for your pets in your emergency kit, too. Learn more about winter safety at: bit.ly/4oruysO #WinterSafety
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@SimaMerick retweeted
Extreme cold increases the risk of frostbite and hypothermia. Dress in layers, limit time outdoors for people and pets. Check on older adults and neighbors during severe winter weather.
#ReadySetSnowOhio
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Jan 31
This is a great toolkit our team created to share cold weather information and enhance messaging.
During extreme cold, sharing safety messaging with your audience is critical. Ohio EMA has created this toolkit to allow for the sharing of information, hashtags, and graphics. View the toolkit here: bit.ly/49KAhWw
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@SimaMerick retweeted
Jan 25
Troopers remain out on the roads of southwest Ohio checking vehicles and handling crashes. The best way to help our team is to stay home and stay off the roads.
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@SimaMerick retweeted
Jan 25
[2:20 PM UPDATE] Although snow rates are briefly becoming very light, the back edge of the system has NOT YET arrived. Steadier/heavier snow will move back in locally between 4 PM and 7 PM. Additional accumulations of 1-3" are still likely across parts of the area.
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@SimaMerick retweeted
Jan 25
Troopers remain out on the roads of central Ohio checking vehicles and handling crashes. The best way to help our team is to stay home and stay off the roads.
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Jan 26
When making your household emergency plan, include your pets and livestock.
Don't forget about pets and livestock when creating your emergency plan! Winter can bring additional hazards - make sure pets have access to warm shelter and unfrozen water. #OHSnow
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