• General information and a copy of the Facility Use Handbook

• Checklist for Renters

• Facility Pictures

Download the Rental Contract, fill this form out and send it in to get the rental process started.

For questions or additional information contact:

Nikki - (308) 236-1225 - nfriend@buffalocounty.ne.gov

Steve - (308) 236-1225 - facilities@buffalocounty.ne.gov

Buffalo County Emergency Management is now a NOAA Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador.

The Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador initiative is an effort to formally recognize NOAA partners who are improving the nation’s readiness against extreme weather, water, and climate events. As a Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador, your organization is committing to work with NOAA and other Ambassadors to strengthen national resilience against extreme weather.
NOAA Weather-Ready Nation

Potential Shelter Locations

• Extreme weather, and other threatening emergencies in your area
• AMBER Alerts
• Presidential Alerts during a national emergency

• Tsunami Warnings
• Tornado and Flash Flood Warnings
• Hurricane, Typhoon, Dust Storm and Extreme Wind Warnings
• Blizzard and Ice Storm Warnings

What is a safe room? What are the design requirements for a FEMA safe room?
A safe room is a hardened structure specifically designed to meet FEMA criteria and provide "near-absolute protection" in extreme weather events, including tornadoes and hurricanes. The level of protection provided by a safe room is a function of its design parameters, specifically the design wind speed and resulting wind pressure and the wind-borne debris load resistance. To be considered a FEMA safe room, the structure must be designed and constructed to the guidelines specified in FEMA P-320, Taking Shelter from the Storm: Building a Safe Room for Your Home or Small Business (FEMA, third edition, 2008a) (for home and small business safe rooms). Additionally, all applicable Federal, State, and local codes must be followed. When questions arise pertaining to the differences between FEMA P320 criteria and another code or standard, the most conservative criteria should apply.

Should I have a safe room?
Pages 6 through 10 of FEMA P-320 (FEMA, 2008a) provide background information to help homeowners decide if a safe room is needed in their home. Homeowners and small-business owners should also refer to the Homeowner’s Worksheet, Assessing Your Risk (Table I-1) in FEMA P-320 (FEMA, 2008a); this is an easy-to-use matrix that helps users decide whether a safe room is a matter of preference, should be considered, or is the preferred method for protection from extreme winds.

My house has a basement. Do I need a safe room?
Some strong tornadoes have resulted in loss of floor framing, collapse of basement walls, and death and injuries to individuals taking refuge in a basement. What constitutes an acceptable level of protection is an individual decision. A basement may be the safest place to seek shelter for homes without a safe room, but it will not provide the same level of protection as a safe room unless it has been designed and constructed to provide the level of protection in accordance with FEMA P-320 (FEMA, 2008a) and FEMA P-361 (FEMA, 2008b).

A basement is a good location to install a shelter or build a safe room, but access for handicapped or physically challenged individuals may be limited. The flood risk of your location may also affect whether it is appropriate to place a safe room in your basement. If your house or neighborhood is prone to flooding, the basement may not be an appropriate location for taking refuge.

Where can I find information about obtaining FEMA funding to construct a safe room? Are there any funds available in my area?
For project eligibility and financial assistance questions, please contact your Local Emergency Manager. Your Emergency Manager can advise you on what information must be provided for your project to be considered for funding, as well as any applicable Federal, State, and local design requirements.

Can I still apply for FEMA funding after I have begun construction of a safe room or purchased a safe room?
No. You must apply for funding before the purchase of a safe room or beginning any construction. Section D.2, Part III of FY 2011 Hazard Mitigation Assistance Unified Guidance (FEMA, 2010) states that costs related to projects for which actual physical work (such as groundbreaking, demolition, or construction of a raised foundation) has occurred prior to award or final approval are ineligible.

What costs are eligible for funding under a safe room grant?
Allowable costs for safe room projects funded under FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) are those components related to, and necessary for, providing life safety for building residents in the immediate vicinity during an extreme-wind event. The funding covers design and building costs related to structural and building envelope protection. The funding covers both retrofits to existing facilities and new construction projects, and applies to both single- and multi-use facilities.

Eligible costs are only those consistent with FEMA-approved performance criteria as provided in FEMA P-320 (FEMA, 2008a). These criteria are summarized in Table 6 (below) of the 2011 FY FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance Unified Guidance (FEMA, 2010). (Click the table to view it larger.)

Does FEMA approve, endorse, or certify any products?
No. Federal No. Federal policy does not allow FEMA to approve, endorse, certify, or recommend any products. While a product may be in compliance with FEMA design guidance, any language from manufacturers stating their product is "FEMA approved" or "FEMA certified" is incorrect.

What is the recommended square footage per person for a residential tornado and hurricane safe room?
For residential safe rooms, the usable tornado safe room floor area should be the gross floor area minus the area of sanitary facilities, if any, and should include the protected occupant area between the safe room walls at the height of any fixed seating, if it exists. The minimum recommended safe room floor area per occupant for residential tornado and hurricane safe rooms is provided in table below. (Click the table to view it larger.)

What is the cost of installing a safe room in a new home or small business?
Costs for construction vary across the United States. The cost for constructing a safe room that can double as a master closet, bathroom, or utility room inside a new home or small business ranges from approximately $6,600 to $8,700 (in 2011 dollars). This cost range is applicable to the basic designs in FEMA P-320 (FEMA, 2008a) for an 8-foot by 8-foot safe room (approximately 64 square feet of protected space). Larger, more refined designs for greater comfort cost more, with 14 foot by 14-foot safe rooms ranging in cost from approximately $12,000 to $14,300. The cost of the safe room can vary significantly, depending on the following factors:

Whether it's a large-scale natural catastrophe or an unforeseen emergency that causes you to leave your home temporarily, everyone's family can benefit from having a household evacuation plan in place before disaster strikes.

Every disaster plan must include your pets!

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) offers the following tips to pet owners designing an emergency safety plan:

• If you evacuate your home, DO NOT LEAVE YOUR PETS BEHIND! Pets most likely cannot survive on their own; and if by some remote chance they do, you may not be able to find them when you return.
• For public health reasons, many emergency shelters cannot accept pets. Find out which motels and hotels in your area allow pets -- well in advance of needing them. Include your local animal shelter's number in your list of emergency numbers -- they might be able to provide information concerning pets during a disaster.
• Make sure identification tags are up to date and securely fastened to your pet's collar. If possible, attach the address and/or phone number of your evacuation site. If your pet gets lost, his tag is his ticket home. Make sure you have a current photo of your pet for identification purposes.
• Make sure you have a secure pet carrier, leash or harness for your pet so that if he panics, he can't escape.
• Take pet food, bottled water, medications, veterinary records, cat litter/pan, can opener, food dishes, first aid kit and other supplies with you in case they're not available later. While the sun is still shining, consider packing a "pet survival" kit, which could be easily deployed if disaster hits.
• If you are unable to return to your home right away, you may need to board your pet. Most boarding kennels, veterinarians and animal shelters will need your pet's medical records to make sure all vaccinations are current. Include copies in your "pet survival" kit along with a photo of your pet.
• If it is impossible to take your pet with you to temporary shelter, contact friends, family, veterinarians, or boarding kennels to arrange for care. Make sure medical and feeding information, food, medicine and other supplies accompany your pet to his foster home. NOTE: Some animal shelters will provide temporary foster care for owned pets in times of disaster, but this should be considered only as a last resort.
• If you have no alternative but to leave your pet at home, there are some precautions you must take, but remember that leaving your pet at home alone can place your animal in great danger! Confine your pet to a safe area inside -- NEVER leave your pet chained outside! Place a notice outside in a visible area, advising what pets are in the house and where they are located. Provide a phone number where you or a contact can be reached as well as the name and number of your vet.

Not only are pets affected by disaster, but the other animals in the disaster area are affected as well.  The HSUS offers these basic tips for people who encounter wildlife or have livestock on their property:

Wildlife

• Wild animals often seek higher ground, which, during floods, eventually become submerged (i.e., island) and the animals become stranded. If the island is large enough and provides suitable shelter, you can leave food appropriate to the species (i.e., sunflower seeds for squirrels). Animals have a flight response and will flee from anyone approaching too closely. If the animal threatens to rush into the water, back away from the island or you may frighten the animal into jumping into the water to escape from you
• Wildlife often seek refuge from flood waters on upper levels of a home and may remain inside even after the water recedes. If you meet a rat or snake face to face, be careful but don't panic. Open a window or other escape route and the animal will probably leave on its own. Never attempt to capture a wild animal unless you have the training, protective clothing, restraint equipment and caging necessary to perform the job.
• Beware of an increased number of snakes and other predators who will try to feed on the carcasses of small mammals who have been drowned or crushed in their burrows or under rocks.
• Often, during natural disasters, mosquitoes and dead animal carcasses may present disease problems. Outbreaks of disease may occur. The local public health office will issue news releases to assist with aiding the public regarding health issues associated with the disaster.
• If you see an injured or stranded animal in need of assistance, or you need help with evicting an animal from your home, please contact your local animal control office or Nebraska Games and Parks.

Livestock

Evacuate Livestock Whenever Possible.

• Arrangements for evacuation, including routes and host sites, should be made in advance. Alternate routes should be mapped out in case the planned route is inaccessible.
• The evacuation sites should have or be able to readily obtain food, water, veterinary care, handling equipment and facilities.
• Trucks, trailers, and other vehicles suitable for transporting livestock (appropriate for transporting each specific type of animal) should be available along with experienced handlers and drivers to transport them. Whenever possible, the animals should be accustomed to these vehicles in advance so they're less frightened and easier to move.
• If evacuation is not possible, a decision must be made whether to move large animals to available shelter or turn them outside. This decision should be determined based on the type of disaster and the soundness and location of the shelter (structure).
• All animals should have some form of identification that will help facilitate their return.

Your disaster plan should include a list of emergency phone numbers for local agencies that can assist you if disaster strikes -- including your veterinarian, state veterinarian, local animal shelter, animal care and control, and county extension service. These numbers should be kept with your disaster kit in a secure, but easily accessible place.

For additional information, please contact:

The Humane Society of the United States
2100 L. Street, NW
Washington, DC. 20037
Attn: Disaster Services Program
Phone: (202) 452-1100

Website: http://www.hsus.org

Buffalo County will (may) provide public road top only maintenance within established subdivisions on the following basis:

Subdivision must be properly platted and recorded with established roads dedicated to the public.

Subdivision must present the County Board of Commissioners a petition for such maintenance signed by a majority of property owners.

Maintenance will be on a "Low-priority" basis, as compared to "Regular or High-priority" main roads, school bus routes, emergency roads, section line and half section line roadways.

The County may require the subdivision to improve roads to minimum standards if there is difficulty operating maintenance vehicles because of such conditions. The cost of their improvement or any other significant road improvements shall be the financial responsibility of the subdivision.

Each subdivision should have an alternate snow removal plan in the event that emergency situations dictate the use of equipment elsewhere.

It is further recommended that each subdivision's governing body or committee appoint one representative within the subdivision to communicate problems or questions to the County Road Department.

What is Shelter-in-Place?
In a situation where a serious hazardous chemical spill has quickly caused a toxic atmosphere, it may be more dangerous to go through those toxic vapors or to attempt to outrun them than to stay in an existing structure. Shelter-in-Place means to get to the inside of a building and remain there during a chemical emergency rather than attempting to evacuate the area. Shelter-in-Place is a viable option for protection against exposure to potentially dangerous airborne chemicals during an emergency.

Why Should I Shelter-in-Place?
During a hazardous materials incident, the idea is to keep everyone's exposure to any chemical as low as possible. It is best to get out of the area and have no exposure, but in a sudden chemical release there may not be time to safely evacuate. In such cases, attempts to evacuate could place you at greater risk of exposure than if you had stayed in your home or workplace. Shelter-in-place is used when there has been a serious hazardous chemical spill that has quickly caused a toxic atmosphere and there is not enough time to safely leave the area. When you shelter-in-place, you take protective action in a structure to reduce exposure to toxic chemical levels. So, unless otherwise instructed to evacuate, sheltering-in-place could be the best way to safely wait out a hazardous chemical release.

How safe is it to Shelter-in-Place?
In a 2001 report by The National Institute for Chemical Studies, several studies were cited that demonstrate the value of sheltering-in-place during a chemical emergency. In older homes, the average house was found to change its air at a rate of less than 1/3 change per hour. It was also found that if one room in the house was sealed up with duct tape and plastic, the amount of chemical that was in the room after one hour was between 1/7 to 1/17 of what was outside. Another study found that sealing up a house also filtered out some of the chemicals. Not only did a sealed up house limit the amount of air coming into a house, the walls actually did some filtering of the air that seeped in. Sheltering-in-place cannot completely eliminate all exposure to the chemical, but it can keep the exposure below dangerous levels.

The report concluded: "For the vast majority of events that have led to the public to shelter-in-place, there have been no reported injuries. In fact, for a very few cases, clouds of toxic materials of sufficient concentration to cause harm have entered communities and, because sheltering-in-place has been accepted by the community and was successfully implemented, no one was injured. The body of evidence suggests that if there is insufficient time to complete an evacuation, or the chemical leak will be of limited duration, or conditions would make an evacuation more risky than staying in place, sheltering-in-place is a good way to protect the public during chemical emergencies."

When should I Shelter-in-Place?
A hazardous materials accident can occur anywhere. There may even be a time when you are close to where a chemical accident has taken place. If you feel or hear a strange sound like an explosion; if you see a strange cloud; if you smell a strange odor; if you feel nauseous or have burning or tearing eyes; trust your senses, don't wait for a warning confirmation and act immediately. If it is obvious that you can safely evacuate the area, do so, but remember shelter-in-place as the next option.

In Buffalo County Monitor:

If there is a chemical release in Buffalo County, the emergency alert system will be utilized. The outdoor warning sirens will sound to alert the public to turn on a radio or television for further emergency information.

Where do I Shelter-in-Place?
If you are told to shelter-in-place or if you believe you need to, you should go inside any building close by immediately. If you are not by your own house, a church, school, or store are good options. If you are not near any buildings, your car is a better choice than staying outside. Your home is the best choice to shelter-in-place because you will know where tapes, towels, plastics and other items are located to help you create your shelter space.

How do I Shelter-in-Place?

• Close all doors to the outside and close and lock all windows (windows sometimes seal better when locked.)
• Ventilation systems should be turned off so no outside air is drawn into the structure.
• Turn off all heating systems and all air-conditioners and switch inlets to the "closed" position.
• Seal any gaps around window type air-conditioners with tape and plastic sheeting, wax paper, or aluminum wrap.
• Turn off all the exhaust fans in kitchens, bathrooms and attics, and cover the openings with plastic wrap or plastic sheeting.
• Close all fireplace dampers and seal with plastic if possible.
• Close as many internal doors as possible in the structure you are in.
• Pick a room on the highest level of the structure, as most of the chemicals that are of concern are heavier than air and will settle in the basement.
• Select a room in the building that is comfortable and easy to seal off. The room should, if possible, provide access to water, toilet facilities, and have adequate room for people and pets to sit.
• If the vapor begins to bother you place a wet cloth over your nose and mouth. For a higher degree of protection, go into the bathroom, close the door and turn on the shower in a strong spray to "wash" the air. Seal any opening to the outside of the bathroom as best you can.
• Make sure you have a battery-powered radio and a flashlight in case the power goes out.
• Once in the room, seal windows, air vents, and exhaust fans with plastic sheeting and duct tape.
• In some homes, light switches and electrical outlets on outside walls are sources of air infiltration and should also be sealed with duct tape and plastic.
• Lastly, seal around the door with duct tape. If the space under the door is too big to seal with tape, try stuffing a damp towel under the door.
• Continue to listen to the radio or TV for emergency information and updates on the incident.
• Don't call 911 unless you have an emergency like a fire or a serious injury.
• Keep your phone available in case someone needs to contact you.

What if I can't make it to a building?
If you can get to your car, go there. Turn off the ventilation system, close your windows and vents, and tune your radio to a local station. If you are driving, try to avoid driving through a vapor cloud and try to drive crosswind. If you are in a chemical cloud, be aware that your car may stall. If your car stalls or was not running when enveloped by the cloud, DO NOT try to start it unless told to do so by a public announcement on the radio.

If you are outside and not close to a building, such as being on a golf course or in a rural area, try to move crosswind. The vapors may drift downwind for miles and unless there is no wind at all you will not be able to outrun them. Going perpendicular to the wind, away from the center of the cloud will get you to a less harmful atmosphere quicker.

How will I know when it is safe to come out?
As soon as it is deemed safe, authorities will tell you it is safe to leave your building.

Disaster Supplies to have on hand:

• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Portable battery-operated radio
• Duct tape and plastic sheeting & wrap
• Games and toys to occupy children
• First aid kit and essential medicines
• Emergency food and water

SPECIAL NOTE: SHELTER-IN-PLACE DOES NOT APPLY TO FLAMMABLE GASES SUCH AS PROPANE AND NATURAL GASES.

Minimum Right of Way-66 feet requirement
Design Speed (MPH)-30 MPH or less
Maximum Curve (degree)-23.0 degree
Maximum Grade (%)-10%
Number of Lanes-2
Lane Width-10 feet each
Shoulder Width (feet)-3 feet
Lateral Obstacle Clearance (feet)-5 feet
Surface Type Minimum--Gravel

Drainage Facilities
Buffalo County will require the number of structures to accommodate adequate water drainage (culverts and bridges), as well as adequate drainage ditches to insure a safe travel surface for the traveling public. The County will not be responsible for any drainage structures that have not met requirements.

Turn Arounds
Minimum radius of 66.0 feet on dead end roads for adequate machine turn arounds.

Signing
Proper signing will be required on intersections within the subdivision as well as on main roads outside and/or leading into a subdivision. This includes proper dead end signs, obstacle markers and speed signs.

Driveways
Paved and hard surfaced driveways will be the responsibility of the landowner in the event of any reconstruction or maintenance work. New driveways within the subdivision are the responsibility of the landowner. Landowners must obtain a driveway permit from the County Highway Department, whereupon the Highway Department will check the location for drainage and/or culvert size. If a culvert is required, it will be the responsibility of the landowner to purchase the culvert and install it.

Trees, Etc.
Trees, shrubbery or flowers will not be allowed within the 66.0 feet of right of way, nor will fences be allowed within this right of way.

Snow Removal
Snow removal will consist of the traveled surface only as low priority. Driveways will be the responsibility of the landowner or tenant.

Maintenance
Those gravel roads within the subdivision will be treated as low priority as compared to other County gravel roads. Paved or hard surface roadways within the subdivision will be the responsibility of the subdivision as far as maintenance, patching, resurfacing or complete reconstruction. Buffalo County will assume snow removal of the traveled roadway only. Any outside construction or maintenance work done on those roads within the subdivision by a contractor or resident will not be the responsibility of Buffalo County liability and/or cost.

For additional information, please contact the Highway Department at 308-236-1237.

Is registration required in Nebraska to be eligible to vote?

Yes, the only exception is during Presidential elections. If you have recently moved to Nebraska or moved to another state after the registration deadline, then you may only vote a Presidential ballot.

Who may register to vote?

Anyone who meets the following criteria:

• Will be 18 years of age or older on General Election Day (first Tuesday after the first Monday in November)
• Is a United States Citizen
• Is a resident of Nebraska
• Has not been convicted of a felony or, if convicted it has been at least two years since I completed my sentence for the felony, including any parole term
• Have not been found mentally incompetent

How may I register?

You may register at the Election Commissioner's Office from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. You may also download the form and send it by mail if you
have access to a printer (see instructions on the right) or click on the link above
that says Nebraska Online Voter Registration.

What is the registration deadline?

Mail-in registration must be postmarked on or before the third Friday before an election. You may register in person at the Election Commission by the second Friday prior to an election.

Do I have to be a resident for a certain time period?

No, you may register the same day you become a resident of Buffalo County.

How is residence determined?

Residence shall mean:

• That place in which a person is actually domiciled, which is the residence of an individual or family, with which a person has a settled connection for the determination of his or her civil status or other legal purposes because it is actually or legally his or her permanent and principal home, and to which, whenever he or she is absent, has the intention of returning.

• The place where a person has his or her family domiciled even if he or she does business in another place.

• If a person is homeless, the county in which the person is living.

May a student register and vote from a school address?

Yes, you may decide to register and vote from either your school or home address. If you want to vote from your home address, write your county election commissioner or clerk and ask them to mail a voter registration form and an absentee ballot. (See Absentee Ballot information)

Must I designate a party affiliation on my registration?

Yes. Nebraska has a "closed primary" which means that you are only allowed to vote the ballot for the party you designated on your voter registration. Currently Nebraska has Republican, Democrat, Libertarian, Non-partisan, and Marijuana NOW. If you are registered as one of the above parties, you would receive the party ballot along with the non-partisan ballot. You may indicate that you wish to be Non Partisan, but in that event, you would only receive the non-political ballot and (if you request) a congressional and senatorial partisan ballot. You may change your party affiliation anytime before the registration deadline.

Do I ever have to re-register?

You must re-register whenever you change your name, your address or political party affiliation.

Will I receive notice that my mail-in registration has been accepted and processed?

Yes, if you completed the form correctly and mailed it by the deadline (third Friday prior to an election). If you do not receive notification within 10 days that your registration has been accepted, call the Election Office. You are not a registered voter until you receive confirmation.

Office Hours: Monday - Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

2025 Planning and Zoning Commission Deadlines and Meeting Times

2025 Board of Commissioners Deadlines & Meeting Times


Objectives

• Review and recommend, to the County Board, the enactment and amendment of Buffalo County’s Zoning Map, Zoning Code, and Subdivision Code. Also this Commission conducts population, housing, and growth studies of Buffalo County and its rural areas. From this study, the Commission formulates Buffalo County’s Comprehesive Plan. That Plan provides to the Commission and this county a direction as to future growth and development for Buffalo County’s unincorporated and rural areas, including any Zoning Map or Code Amendments that be needed to pursue the goals of the Comprehensive Plan.

• Analyze and submit recommendations of approval or disapproval, of any applications regarding Subdivisions of any Development-Type Operations and Special Uses as identified in the County’s Zoning Code and Subdivision Code to the Buffalo County Board of Commissioners.

• Public meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month, at 7:00 p.m., at the Buffalo County Courthouse, unless otherwise posted.

Plus filing fees set by Register of Deeds unless Code states otherwise
*Passed at Board of Supervisors meeting on May 28, 2002
**Passed at Board of Supervisors meeting on February 24, 2009
***Passed at Board of Supervisors meeting on September 14, 2010
****Passed at Board of Supervisors meeting on November 23, 2010
*****Passed at Board of Supervisors meeting on June 11, 2013 retroactive to May 14, 2013
******Passed at County Commissioners meeting on April 25, 2017 effective July 1, 2017

We invite you to browse our web site to learn about our various County offices and the services Buffalo County, Nebraska offers its citizens.  

LB304 - Annual Memberships

 Follow us onfor current info as well.

This web site contains information about County programs,services, departments and offices, as well as helpful information oncommonly  asked questions. We encourage you to use this site frequently to access meeting notices, Open Meetings Act, agendas, packets, and minutes of the County Board of Commissioners.