Hamilton County residents have until Monday, Sept. 21, to complete an online survey that will shape the county's next emergency preparedness plan.

The Hamilton County Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (EMHSA) launched the questionnaire in early September as part of a five-year update to its Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan. Responses will feed into the 2028 edition of the plan, which guides how local governments prepare for and respond to floods, power outages, severe storms and other emergencies.

The survey is open to anyone who lives or works in Hamilton County. It takes about 10 minutes, and responses are anonymous and confidential, according to the City of Blue Ash website, which promoted the survey to residents.

Questions cover household readiness for emergencies such as flash flooding and extended power outages, evacuation needs and which hazards residents want their local government to prioritize, WVXU reported on Sept. 9.

The timing follows a punishing summer of severe weather across the county. Flash flooding on July 17, 19 and 21 killed one person and injured three, according to EMHSA Director Nick Crossley. A derecho with 68 mph winds struck Aug. 11.

"People should take the survey because it informs our elected leaders and our decision makers about what's important and what's a priority for the residents … it's an opportunity for them to make their voices heard," EMHSA Assistant Director Ryan McEwan told WVXU on Sept. 9.

McEwan added that the string of recent disasters should make preparedness "something on the forefront of people's mind."

Crossley told WVXU on July 28 that flooding remains the county's top hazard, citing uninsured damage and the financial toll on residents.

Blue Ash promoted the survey on its website and social media accounts in early September.

Sycamore Township's January 2026 Emergency Operations Plan references the current 2023 version of the county mitigation plan. The township has roughly 20,000 residents.

Residents who prefer a paper copy of the survey can email [email protected] or call 513-946-8000.