With more rain and possible severe storms lining up over central Ohio today, the Franklin County Sheriff's Office is urging Columbus-area residents to put one more tool on their phones: the agency’s free safety app. Officials say the app sends real-time alerts for National Weather Service watches and advisories, flooding concerns, road closures, and crash reports so people can make quicker, safer decisions if the weather turns nasty. Deputies are reminding residents to enable notifications and check the app for Franklin County–specific updates.
In a mid-morning post, the Franklin County Sheriff's Office told neighbors that “with more rain expected today and severe weather tonight,” it is a good time to download the app. The post notes that users receive National Weather Service watches, warnings, and advisories for Franklin County, along with alerts about road closures, flooding, and traffic crashes, and adds that no login is required to receive those alerts, according to the Franklin County Sheriff's Office on Facebook.
What the app sends
Launched for county use in early 2025, the app is intended to give residents a single place for safety updates and resources, including the jail roster, a registered sex offender map, and push notifications about active situations. According to the Franklin County Sheriff's Office website, the tool is designed for quick public alerts, and those capabilities are also outlined in county procurement documents.
How to get alerts
The app is free to download: search “Franklin County Sheriff Ohio” in your phone’s app store to find the official version. The iOS listing shows “Franklin County” as the developer and highlights features such as news, tip submission, and push alerts. The entry confirms that it is available for iPhone users. The App Store listing also notes the app’s recent updates, while the sheriff’s Facebook post reiterates that a login is not required to receive county alerts.
Why it matters
Severe summer storms can bring sudden hazards, including flash flooding, downed trees, and damaging winds, and watches or warnings can change quickly across central Ohio. The National Weather Service in Wilmington issues county-level watches and warnings that the app can surface in real time, giving residents another way to get time-sensitive information before or during a storm. The National Weather Service in Wilmington recommends having multiple alert methods available, including NOAA Weather Radio and mobile push notifications.
Quick checklist: enable push notifications, set your location to Franklin County if prompted, and keep your phone charged during severe weather. For details on the app and other public-safety resources, visit the Franklin County Sheriff's Office website.
