🚨 Emergency Contacts
- 911: All emergencies (police, fire, medical)
- Bellevue Police (non-emergency): (419) 483-5421
- Bellevue Fire / EMS (non-emergency): (419) 483-4491
- Ohio Edison Power Outage: (888) 544-4877 (24/7)
- Columbia Gas Leak: (800) 344-4077 (24/7) — LEAVE THE BUILDING if you smell gas
- City of Bellevue Water Emergency: (419) 484-5000
- Poison Control: (800) 222-1222
- 988: Mental health crisis
Sign Up for Emergency Alerts
Stay informed before and during emergencies.
Huron County Alerts (CodeRED)
Sign up for Huron County emergency notifications: severe weather, evacuation orders, and public safety alerts. Visit huroncountyohio.gov/ema to register your phone and email. This is your most important step.
Ohio EMA
Statewide alerts and emergency information from the Ohio EMA. Visit ema.ohio.gov. Sign up for Ohio-level severe weather and emergency updates affecting our region.
NOAA Weather Radio
A battery-powered weather radio is the most reliable alert system during power outages. Covers Lake Erie weather patterns that affect Bellevue. NOAA station for Bellevue area: WXL78.
Severe Weather (Bellevue-Specific)
🌪️ Tornado Warning
Go to the lowest floor, interior room, away from windows. Basements are ideal. Do NOT shelter under highway overpasses. Bellevue has tornado warning sirens throughout the city. Know the sound.
⛈️ Severe Thunderstorm
Lake Erie weather patterns can produce fast-moving severe storms. When thunder roars, go indoors. Avoid trees and open areas. Unplug sensitive electronics. Have a flashlight ready.
❄️ Winter / Ice Storm
Bellevue winters average significant snowfall. Keep a winter car kit (blanket, shovel, sand/salt, flashlight, water). Don't travel in whiteout conditions. Check ODOT road conditions at ohgo.com.
🔌 Power Outage
Report outages to Ohio Edison: (888) 544-4877. Track outages at firstenergycorp.com/outages. Have food, water, and medications for 72 hours. Conserve phone battery. Know where your nearest warming center is.
Emergency Kit Checklist
Essentials (72-hour minimum)
- 1 gallon of water per person per day (3-day supply minimum)
- 3-day supply of non-perishable food
- Battery-powered or hand-crank weather radio
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Whistle to signal for help
- Dust masks or N95 respirators
- Plastic sheeting and duct tape
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags
- Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
- Manual can opener
- Local maps (in case GPS fails)
- Cell phone with charger + backup battery
For Your Family
- Prescription medications (2-week supply)
- Infant formula and diapers if applicable
- Pet food and water
- Cash (ATMs may not work)
- Copies of important documents (in waterproof bag)
- Sleeping bags or warm blankets
Evacuation & Shelter
🚗 Evacuation Routes
Know at least two ways out of your neighborhood. Keep your gas tank at least half-full. Designate a family meeting point outside your home and outside your neighborhood. Contact Huron County EMA for area evacuation route maps.
🏢 Emergency Shelters
During declared emergencies, Huron County opens emergency shelters. The American Red Cross typically activates shelters at schools, churches, or community centers. Visit huronredcross.org or call 211 for the nearest open shelter.
🏠 If You Can't Evacuate
Shelter in place. Choose an interior room on the lowest floor. Keep cell phones charged. Have water, food, and medications. Signal to first responders with a bright cloth if needed.
Utility Emergency Shutoffs
- Natural Gas Emergency Shutoff: Contact Columbia Gas at (800) 344-4077. Know where your main gas shutoff valve is located outside your home. Use a wrench to turn it off if you smell gas.
- Electric: Ohio Edison outages: (888) 544-4877. Do not touch downed power lines.
- Water: City of Bellevue: (419) 484-5000. Know where your water main shutoff is inside your home.