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Hamilton County officials are preparing to fully open a new $16 million Emergency Management Agency (EMA) facility.
It will also serve as the county’s primary 911 dispatch center, according to a report by WCPO. The newly constructed facility, located in Springdale, is expected to be fully operational by the end of the month.
Although the Hamilton County EMA facility has not yet held an official opening, county officials have already begun using the building to issue emergency alerts. This includes recent notifications related to a snow emergency, as reported by WCPO.
Consolidated emergency operations
Hamilton County EMA Director Nick Crossley recently toured the facility. He explained that bringing multiple emergency functions under one roof will improve real-time coordination. It will also enhance information sharing during major incidents, according to WCPO.
When large-scale emergencies occur, the building will operate as a full emergency operations center. The facility is designed to support responses to tornadoes, flooding, power outages, active shooter situations, and hazardous materials incidents. It also handles terrorism and other major disasters, as reported by WCPO.
Next Generation 911 technology
The county’s new 911 dispatch center, located on the second floor of the facility, is equipped with Next Generation 911 technology. The upgraded system allows residents to text or send a video directly to 911. This significantly expands how emergency calls can be received and managed.
Crossley told WCPO the new center adds an important layer of reliability for residents seeking emergency assistance.
“Hamilton County will really benefit once this center is open, once they’ve made the full transition,” Crossley said, according to WCPO.
Backup systems and security features
The existing 911 dispatch center in Colerain Township will remain operational. Crossley explained to WCPO that the site will be repurposed as a training center and “hot backup.” This allows 911 calls to be handled seamlessly from either location if needed.
Security and self-sufficiency were key priorities in the facility’s design. According to WCPO, the building includes two backup generators and is stocked with food, water, and cots. This enables staff to remain on-site for extended periods during major emergencies.
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