Springfield chiefs urge residents to sign up for Hyperreach and take care on roads during severe-weather season

Fire Chief Jacob King and Police Chief Allison Elliot used the department’s monthly Chief Chat to urge residents to register their locations with Hyperreach, the Clark County EMA-managed alert system tied to National Weather Service warnings, and to exercise caution on roads as spring weather increases pedestrian and bicycle traffic.

King said Hyperreach lets agencies send warnings and safety messages to affected map areas and phone numbers and cited its use during a large scrapyard fire off Sherman Avenue. “We just wanted to reiterate to make sure you register for that Hyperreach,” he said, noting residents can register multiple locations and phone numbers.

Elliot and King highlighted springtime roadway risks: more pedestrians and bicyclists are on streets and schoolchildren are likelier to walk, and high winds can blow debris into lanes. Elliot referenced Ohio’s distracted-driving law under the Ohio Revised Code and recommended hands-free phone connections and vigilance while driving.

The chiefs also updated listeners on the Citizens Police Academy: Allison Elliot said the program was moving into its third session and praised Sheriff Clark for speaking to participants. Separately, Elliot recognized regional dispatchers ahead of National Telecommunicators Week, thanking them for guiding callers through emergency steps including dispatcher-assisted CPR.

The podcast segment was advisory and educational; the chiefs did not announce new regulations or funding. They encouraged residents to register for Hyperreach, follow weather and roadway alerts, attend local training such as the Citizens Police Academy, and to appreciate dispatch staff during Telecommunicators Week.