Owen County Government

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EMA

Owen County Emergency Management Agency (EMA)

The Owen County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) coordinates local preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation for natural and man-made disasters. Led by Director Jack White, EMA partners with local first responders, public officials, and state agencies to build a safer, more resilient community. Whether addressing floods, severe storms, or public health emergencies, EMA provides timely alerts, educational resources, and crisis coordination. Visit us to access the Hazard Mitigation Plan, critical facility maps, flood information, and emergency declarations. Stay informed. Stay prepared. Stay safe in Owen County.

Director: Jack White
📍 129 S Washington St, Spencer, IN 47460
📞 Office: (812) 829-5035
📱 Cell: (812) 821-0710
✉️ jack.white@owencounty.in.gov

Owen County Emergency Management Agency official logo

About EMA

The Emergency Management Agency of Owen County provides the tools and coordination needed to prepare for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate emergencies. We work closely with first responders and encourage every resident to be prepared for all hazards.

The Five Phases of Emergency Management

Diagram showing the five phases of emergency management: Prevention, Mitigation, Preparedness, Response, and Recovery
  • Prevention: Actions taken to avoid an incident, including deterrence and surveillance.
  • Mitigation: Measures to lessen emergency impact, like zoning and infrastructure upgrades.
  • Preparedness: Training, education, and planning to enhance readiness.
  • Response: Immediate efforts such as rescue, sheltering, and EOC activation.
  • Recovery: Long-term rebuilding, aid distribution, and community restoration.

Emergency Management Documents & Resources

  • Owen County Hazard Mitigation Plan (MHMP): Comprehensive risk assessment and mitigation strategy for natural and technological hazards across the county.
  • Owen County Hazard Mitigation Plan (MHMP) Appendices: Supplemental data including planning committee records, critical infrastructure maps, hazard event data, and funding sources.
  • Critical Facilities: Locations of essential infrastructure such as EMS stations, water treatment plants, communication towers, and shelters.
  • Tornado Preparedness Guide: This map outlines historical tornado touchdown points and paths in Owen County, Indiana, along with modeled hypothetical tornado zones (Zones A, B, and C) to assess future risk. It includes siren locations and audible ranges for emergency warning coverage. Developed as part of the 2022 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Update, this resource aids emergency responders and residents in planning for severe weather events and tornado impact mitigation.
  • Owen County Flood Zones, Stream Gages, and Dam Inundation Map (May 2022): This map identifies flood-prone areas in Owen County, Indiana, including FEMA-designated flood zones (1% and 0.2% annual chance), dam breach inundation areas, and locations of USGS stream gages. It supports emergency planning and hazard mitigation efforts by illustrating flood risks, potential dam failure impacts, and real-time water level monitoring sites. Produced in May 2022 as part of the county’s Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan (MHMP) update.
  • Indiana Dept of Homeland Security: State-level emergency coordination and tools.
  • White River Water Level at Spencer (NOAA SPNI3 Gauge): Real-time river gauge data for the White River at Spencer, Indiana, provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). This gauge (ID: SPNI3) tracks current and forecasted river stages, flood levels, and historical data to support local emergency management, flood preparedness, and public safety in Owen County.

Emergency Declarations Archive

  • Emergency Declaration – Flooding and Severe Storms (April 5, 2025)
    Declares emergency conditions following flooding and high winds.
    Download PDF
  • Emergency Declaration – Countywide Burn Ban (September 18, 2024)
    Prohibits open burning due to high fire risk from drought and wind.
    Download PDF
  • Emergency Declaration – Tornado and Severe Storm (June 25, 2024)
    Activates local disaster response after tornado damage in Owen County.
    Download PDF
  • Emergency Declaration – Burn Ban Due to Fire Risk (November 15, 2023)
    Enacts fire restrictions in response to dry and windy weather.
    Download PDF
  • Emergency Declaration – Tornado and Windstorm (March 31, 2023)
    Official declaration due to tornado damage and hazardous debris.
    Download PDF
  • Emergency Travel Warning – Snow and Ice Storm (February 3, 2022)
    Restricts travel to emergency personnel during a winter storm emergency.
    Download PDF
  • Emergency Travel Watch – Winter Conditions (February 4, 2022)
    Advises residents to limit travel due to icy roads and ongoing recovery.
    Download PDF
  • Emergency Declaration – Flooding and Road Closures (June 18, 2021)
    Declares emergency after floodwaters damaged over 30 roads.
    Download PDF

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