Holmes County Leaders Present Inclusive Emergency Planning for Amish

A panel of Holmes County and regional officials detailed lessons from Amish Country during the Ohio Emergency Manager’s Association Winter Conference on December 19. The session, titled Amish Health and Safety Day, brought together Jason Troyer of Holmes County Emergency Management Agency, former Ohio State Highway Patrol member Stephanie Norman, Marcus Yoder of Behalt, and Amy Seward, EMS executive director of Knox County, to brief emergency managers and other leaders across the state.

Troyer, who serves as Holmes County EMA director, co chair of the education committee for the Ohio EMA, and president elect of the association, emphasized the broader relevance of the work for special populations. He noted, "Yes, the presentation was geared toward the Amish community, but the concept can be geared toward any special population," and added, "It’s about getting to know their beliefs, who they are, and how can we best include them in our training and planning for every community." Conference attendees were reminded that 58 of Ohio’s 88 counties include Amish communities, underscoring the statewide import of culturally informed planning.

Presenters reviewed practical challenges that shape emergency response in Plain People communities, including cultural norms around family centered decision making, limited use of modern cell phones by some households, and the importance of building relationships with Amish bishops, deacons, and business owners. The session recommended relying on multiple channels for emergency notification, such as tornado sirens and community networks, in areas where cell alerts may not reach everyone.

The discussion highlighted Holmes County projects and outreach practices as models that can be adapted by local EMS, law enforcement, fire departments, health departments, and highway crews. For Holmes County residents the immediate impact is clearer, more coordinated planning that recognizes local cultural patterns and communication gaps. For public agencies the takeaway is a push to institutionalize tailored outreach, train professional partners in cultural norms, and strengthen partnerships with community leaders to ensure emergency plans are inclusive and effective across diverse populations.