Mercer County E-911

07/20/2026

Thank you to our Director of Office of Emergency Management for Mercer County, for his post.

We wanted to also share.

As always, stay safe and stay informed!

There is a lot of hype on Social Media currently concerning the weather forecast for Tuesday July 21. Several sites are implying our area could see a " Derecho storm"

I think its important to understand what exactly a Derecho actually is.

A Derecho is a widespread, long-lived line or complex of Thunderstorm's that produces straight line winds of 58 mph or greater. These lines of storms typically span a large area and cover hundreds of miles with little to no weakening. These storms are formed and travel creating a bow-echo which is most often associated with straight-line wind damage and can last for hours or even days. While not to down play tomorrows forecast, I think its important we understand its always possible for developing storms to form a Derecho and that complex of storms then travel for many miles leaving large amounts of damage in its path. But at this point this is not known to be certain.

At this point the public need to know that there is a chance of severe weather tomorrow across our state, with the greater chance across the central region of WV. Make sure you have a way to receive weather alerts on your phone, and be more weather-alert tomorrow.

We will share Weather information from trusted sources such as US National Weather Service Blacksburg VA and US National Weather Service Charleston WV

As always Stay Weather Aware and stay informed.

07/09/2026

🚗 Mercer County 911 July Travel Safety Reminder

Summer in Mercer County means lake trips, ball tournaments, vacations, and a whole lot of miles on the road. If you ever need 911 while traveling, knowing your location helps responders reach you faster.

Quick tips for safer summer travel:

Use mile markers — They’re the fastest way for responders to pinpoint your location on highways.

Look for landmarks — Businesses, road signs, bridges, and intersections all help.

Drop a phone pin before hiking, exploring, or parking in unfamiliar areas.

Teach kids location basics — Simple descriptions can make a big difference.

Text‑to‑911 is available in Mercer County when calling isn’t possible.

Your Mercer County 911 team is here 24/7, wherever your summer takes you.

07/08/2026

We are so proud of our teams! Thank you to those who answer the call to serve our community and our emergency services!

If you believe you could be the 1 of the 4 we are adding to our team, apply at Www.mercer911.com

Mercer County 911 is looking to hire four communications officers as the agency works to maintain service levels for residents.

07/01/2026

Happy 250th Independence Day from the Mercer County Communications Center Authority Board 911!

This weekend, we celebrate the spirit, resilience, and unity that built our nation. As we mark this historic milestone, we honor the generations who shaped America and the communities who continue to strengthen it every day, including the dedicated public safety professionals who keep Mercer County safe around the clock.

From our board to our neighbors across Mercer County and WV, we wish you a joyful, safe, and meaningful Fourth of July.

May your day be filled with pride, gratitude, and celebration.

Happy 250th Birthday, USA!

06/30/2026

Fireworks & 911: Mercer County’s Totally Avoidable Summer Classics

Ah yes… fireworks season. That magical time of year when some folks decide 2:30 AM is the PERFECT moment to launch explosives into the sky like they’re auditioning for a low‑budget action movie.

Meanwhile, our 911 center gets flooded with calls that could be avoided with just a sprinkle of common sense.

Late‑night fireworks, because nothing says “I love my neighbors” like waking them up before their 6 AM shift.

Animals losing their minds: Pets sprinting around the house like they’re training for the Olympics. Livestock acting like the sky is falling. Totally preventable.

Burned fingertips: Every year, someone grabs the wrong end of a sparkler, and suddenly it’s a medical emergency.

Brush fires: Nothing spices up a holiday like accidentally setting your yard on fire because you thought “dry grass” was just a suggestion.

So please, for the love of sleep, sanity, and our dispatchers-- celebrate responsibly. Follow the fireworks laws, think about your neighbors, and try not to set anything (or anyone) on fire.

Your friendly, slightly tired, always‑here‑for‑you
Mercer County Communications Center Authority Board (911)

06/29/2026

Mercer County 911 – Public Safety Notice

A dangerous and prolonged heat wave is expected to impact West Virginia this week, with several days in a row where temperatures in the valleys will approach 100 degrees and the heat index will climb near or above 100 across many areas. The most intense heat is forecast for Wednesday and Thursday, with hazardous conditions continuing straight into the Fourth of July holiday.

This stretch of weather may rival some of the hottest periods our state has ever experienced — including August 2024, June 2012, and July 1993. If you lived through those events, you know how serious this level of heat can be.

Stay Safe & Look Out for One Another
**Extreme heat can become dangerous very quickly.

**Check on friends, family, and neighbors, especially older adults or anyone without air conditioning.

**Make sure everyone has a safe way to cool down — even a short break in air‑conditioning can prevent heat illness.

**Limit outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day and stay hydrated.

**Don’t Forget Pets & Neighborhood Animals
Animals feel the heat just as intensely as humans.

**Put out extra water for pets and strays.

**Create shaded areas if they must remain outdoors.

**Bring pets inside whenever possible.

Mercer County 911 urges everyone to take this heat wave seriously. A little preparation and a quick check‑in with those around you can make all the difference.

Stay safe, stay cool, and take care of each other.

06/29/2026

🚨 MERCER COUNTY 911 IS HIRING — AND WE’RE LOOKING FOR THE RIGHT PEOPLE! 🚨

We’re searching for the next wave of community‑minded, quick‑thinking, adrenaline‑loving helpers who want to serve Mercer County with purpose.

Let’s talk honestly for a moment.
If you’re applying only because someone told you to, or because you “just need a job,” this might not be the best fit — and that’s okay. We want people who are excited to be here, who want to learn, grow, and be part of something bigger. This work matters, and we’re looking for those who feel that pull to help others.

Now, for the rest of you, the adrenaline junkies, the mystery sleuths, the crime‑solvers, the “I can handle chaos before coffee” types — this might be exactly what you’ve been waiting for.

A few realities of the job:
You will work on holidays.
You will work on your birthday.
You will work during snowstorms, blizzards, and whatever else Mercer County decides to throw at us.
But every single day is different, the people, the calls, the stories. No two shifts are ever the same, and that’s what makes this job unforgettable.

Are you bored being a waitress or server?
Tired of standing behind a counter all day?
Guess what — we have cushy seats. Really. Comfortable chairs, climate control, and a headset that becomes your superhero accessory.

Sick of long commutes?
If you live in Mercer County, we’re right off Rt. 460. Easy to find, easy to get to, and no hour‑long drive to a job you don’t enjoy.

We’re looking for people who want to serve with purpose, who can stay calm when others can’t, who want to be the steady voice on someone’s worst day. If that sounds like you, we’d love to meet you.

If it doesn’t, that’s okay too. We want the right people, not just more people.

If you have Emergency Telecommunicator experience, priority will be given based on certifications and years of experience.

Apply online: www.mercer911.com; We only have room for 4 Full-Time Emergency Telecommunicators, so apply today!

06/20/2026

Happy West Virginia Day from Mercer County 911! 💛⛰️

Today, we celebrate the Mountain State we are proud to call home, a place of resilience, kindness, and communities that look out for one another.

From our rolling hills to our small‑town front porches, West Virginia’s strength has always come from its people.To every neighbor who supports us, to every first responder who stands beside us, and to every caller who trusts us in their moment of need, thank you.

Serving Mercer County and the great state of West Virginia is an honor every single day.Here’s to the spirit of West Virginia: strong, steady, and full of heart.

Happy WV Day, Mercer County! 💙💛

06/19/2026

Today, we honor Juneteenth, a day that marks freedom, resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of equality.

At the Mercer County 911 Communications Center Authority Board, we recognize that the strength of our community is rooted in the diverse voices, histories, and experiences that shape it.

Juneteenth reminds us that progress is built when people stand together, uplift one another, and commit to a future where every person is valued and heard. Our 911 professionals serve every caller with dignity, compassion, and fairness. Values deeply connected to the spirit of this day.

💛We celebrate freedom.
💛 We honor the past.
💛 We continue the work toward a more just tomorrow.

From our Board to the people of Mercer County: May this Juneteenth be a moment of reflection, unity, and hope.

06/16/2026

A sincere thank you to Keith Gunnoe, Mercer County Floodplain Manager and Office of Emergency Management Director, for inviting me to join him in presenting at the 2026 West Virginia Floodplain Managers Conference held in beautiful neighboring Summers County at Pipestem Resort State Park.

It was an honor to share the human side of flooding from a 911 perspective.

When the historic February 2025 flooding struck Mercer County, it came hard and fast, impacting every corner of our county and quickly becoming a multi-agency disaster response. Our communications center experienced nearly three times the normal call volume as emergency responders worked tirelessly to answer the needs of our community. We discussed the many active incidents occurring simultaneously and the tremendous support provided by water rescue teams from Kanawha and Fayette Counties.

Floodplain managers focus on infrastructure, mitigation, and reducing future risk. In 911, we hear the cries for help from those trapped by rising waters, and we hear the relief in their voices when they know help has arrived.

The response to the February floods demonstrated what can be accomplished through partnerships. Mercer County 911, the Office of Emergency Management, fire departments, EMS, law enforcement, DNR, DOH, swift water rescue teams, and our communities came together with one common purpose and that is protecting lives and property.

I appreciate the opportunity to speak alongside Keith and to share how planning, mitigation, and emergency response are all connected. Together, we can continue building stronger and more resilient communities throughout West Virginia.