Press Release - Reno County Declares Local Disaster

Reno County Declares Local Disaster After Storm Damage

Reno County, Kansas – May 20, 2024

Reno County Commission Chairman Randy Parks has authorized a verbal disaster declaration for Reno County due to the damage caused by strong winds on Sunday evening, May 19, 2024. The Disaster Declaration Resolution will be signed by the Board of Reno County Commission on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, during their regular meeting.

“Reno County Fire District 9 – Haven Fire Station, sustained significant damage to the station’s roof from straight line winds,” said Adam Weishaar, Director of Reno County Emergency Management. “Some of the roofing materials that were ripped off the building blew down Main Street and damaged neighboring businesses.” The station’s air conditioning units were also blown off the roof, landing next to the building. The Haven Fire Station will remain in service and there will not be any changes in emergency response even though the station is currently without power.

High winds affected a large portion of Reno County however the most impacted areas were the City of Haven and the City of Hutchinson. Many residents are still without power. There are several roadways closed, electrical lines down, and broken tree limbs scattered all over the county. Crews have been working as quickly as possible to clean up debris to open roadways.

Reno County wants to thank our dispatchers, responders, public works personnel, and line crews who have worked around the clock.

Photos of Haven Fire Station District 9 and scenes in Haven.