City of Nelsonville, Ohio Information Blog

The City of Nelsonville would like to remind everyone of basic safety tips to ensure everyone enjoys their time at the 76^th annual Parade of The Hills Festival, August 19th to 22nd, 2026.

General Safety Tips

• Pay attention to weather forecasts and prepare appropriately.
• Be sure to use sunscreen and sunglasses to protect you from harmful UV rays.
• Remember, even on overcast days UV rays are still powerful enough to burn skin so remember to use sunscreen.
• On hot days make sure you drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
• Wear closed toe shoes like tennis shoes, not flip-flops or sandals, to protect your feet.
• Be aware of your surroundings and know where you will go if you need to seek shelter from an unexpected thunderstorm.
• Remember “If you see something, say something.” If you see people or activities that seem suspicious, report your observations to the Police Department by calling 9-1-1.
• Teach kids to stay calm and stay put if they are separated from parents or other caregivers. Knowing what to do in this scary situation will help prevent a lost child from panicking and help safety officials locate them faster.

Safety tips for kids and caregivers

• Keep a watchful eye on children. It’s easy for children and caregivers to become separated in large crowds.
• Have an established family plan of a location where you will meet if separated.
• Make a “missing parent’ contact tag your children can wear with your name and cell phone number in case your child becomes separated.
• If you do become separated from your child, notify the Police Department.

Amusement Ride Safety Tips

• Don’t board a ride if you see broken parts, signs of improper maintenance, or an inattentive operator.
• Read all posted rules and listen to instructions given by ride operators.
• Watch the ride with your child before boarding. Point out the operator and the entrance and exit locations prior to riding. Make sure they understand the instructions and warnings fully.
• Keep all body parts (hands, arms, legs, long hair, etc.) inside the ride at all times. If you have long hair, keep it pulled up with a hat or hair tie.
• If you can’t count on your child to stay seated with hands and feet inside, don’t let them ride.
• Always use the safety equipment provided (seat belt, shoulder harness, lap bar, etc.).
• Obey minimum height, age, and weight restrictions. Never sneak children onto rides if they are too small or too young. A smaller/younger child may not be physically or developmentally able to stay safely seated.
• Remain in the ride until it comes to a complete stop at the unloading point. If a ride stops temporarily due to mechanical failure or other reasons. Stay seated and wait for an operator to give you further instructions.
• Know your physical condition and limitations. If you suspect that your health could be at risk for any reason, or you could aggravate a pre-existing condition of any kind, do not ride.

Have a safe and memorable time at The Parade of The Hills and always keep safety your #1 priority!

The City of Nelsonville regrets to inform the public that the Nelsonville Public Square fountain will not return to the public square until after the Parade of The Hills Festival. The fountain was scheduled to be placed on August 17, 2026, unfortunately mother nature had other plans. The concrete basin for the fountain could not be finished in time due to the unusually heavy rain we have experienced lately.

The Nelsonville Public Square fountain is now scheduled to be placed on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, if mother nature cooperates. The City of Nelsonville apologizes for this delay, but we want to make sure everything is done correctly so the Nelsonville Public Square fountain can return to its place of honor since 1904 and continue to be enjoyed by the public for many years to come. Thank you for your patience and understanding in this matter.

The City of Nelsonville has received questions about the outdoor emergency warning sirens in Nelsonville. The outdoor warning siren system is normally tested on the first Wednesday of every month at 12:00 p.m. The monthly test will be cancelled if severe weather is threatening. If severe weather cancels the test, it will be postponed until next month. There are several conditions that result in the warning sirens being activated in Athens County.

• Severe Weather
  • When the National Weather Service initiates a Tornado Warning for an area that includes areas of Athens County.
  • When the National Weather Service initiates a Severe Thunderstorm Warning (winds 58+ mph, large hail, severe lightning and heavy rain), for an area that includes areas of Athens County.
• When there is an actual enemy or terrorist attack against the United States has been detected and is threatening areas of Athens County and protective action should be taken immediately.
• When a public safety emergency occurs, the sirens will be used to alert the public of emergencies such as hazardous materials incidents and civil disturbances.

When the outdoor warning sirens are sounded for an emergency, they will be activated for five minutes. When you hear the warning sirens you should do the following;

DO NOT CALL 9-1-1 to ask why the sirens are sounding as this can overload the 9-1-1 emergency response system.

Remember, outdoor warning sirens are just that, out-door warning. The sirens are signal to people outside to go indoors, seek shelter, and tune your radio or television station to the local Emergency Alert System (EAS) Station. As homes continue to become more energy efficient and sound proofing enhanced, outdoor warning sirens that once could be heard decades ago inside of a home can no longer be heard. That’s why other means of warning are in place.

Go immediately to a safe area in your home or building, if high winds, severe thunder and lightning are present.

If you are outside away from possible shelter, lie flat on the ground away from trees until the storm passes. If in a vehicle, get out and find a more substantial structure.

Carry a battery-operated radio or NOAA all hazard alert radio to your safe area. You will know when the storm or emergency has passed and when it is clear to leave your safe area.

The Athens County outdoor emergency warning sirens DO NOT identify specific types of storms or emergencies; therefore, you should immediately seek shelter and tune to local television or radio for further information.

The City of Nelsonville Code Enforcement Office wants to remind Nelsonville property owners that the alleyways behind houses and fences are the property owners’ responsibility to keep the area mowed and clear of noxious weeds, vines or grasses growing a height of eight (8) inches or higher.

Please contact Austin Kelley, Code Enforcement Officer, if you have any questions or concerns. (740 753-1314 or codeenforcement@cityofnelsonville.com