New Portage County EMA center to accelerate emergency response times [Video]

RAVENNA TOWNSHIP, Ohio — Portage County’s new state-of-the-art emergency management facility is open and already preparing for disasters, human-made or natural.

It’s been an out-of-the-ordinary year for Portage County with multiple flash flood events and a confirmed EF-1 tornado in April.

Homes damaged, roadways closed after tornado touches down in Portage County Wednesday

RELATED: Homes damaged, roadways closed after tornado touches down in Portage County Wednesday

Portage County EMA Director Ryan Shackelford said the new facility should immensely help with response times and quicker communication between key partners and agencies.

Shackelford can’t help but be enthusiastic as he showed off the county’s new $4.4 million emergency response facility.

“You’ll notice right about the ceiling is concrete 10 inch slabs 1,600 pounds each, so it’s meant to withstand a very specific event,” Shackleford said.

Shackelford is thrilled because, for the first time in decades, the county now has the space and updated …