The old EBS system was a tiered relay of sending the emergency information to a flag broadcast station who then relayed it to the second tier, then the second tier on to the third tier. The increased time for warnings is possible with the burst of information going to all stations and local sheriff offices at one time. Specific information about the approaching hazard and steps to take to prepare and protect lives and property are given. The only activations of this warning system for residents of Scioto County is the EMA Director, the Sheriff, and the National Weather Service. Flooding has overtaken lightning as the nation's leading killer.
Flash floods are common in the hilly terrain of Southern Ohio.
Five automatic dumping and reporting rain gauges have been installed in various watershed areas of Scioto County through funding from the Ohio legislature. These gauges work in conjunction with stream stage gauges already in place, each sending data to NWS computers by radio signal. The computer compares reported values against pre-determined flash flood thresholds and sound alarms when these levels are exceeded. A computer software package utilized in the local EMA office receives this data and is able to provide warning information to the area sooner than was capable in the past. Local EMA has an increased capacity to warn populations and deploy resources to protect property through the system.