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State Of Indiana Response To Flooding

Last updated on Wednesday, February 28, 2018

(INDIANAPOLIS) - Over the last week, heavy rain and storms have occurred, causing many rivers in Indiana to overflow their banks. County-level response has been ongoing, and the State Emergency Operations Center has been providing coordination and resource support. 

DEVELOPING SITUATION 

On February 24, 2018 Governor Eric J. Holcomb issued a disaster declaration for 11 Indiana counties due to flooding, including Carroll, Dearborn, Elkhart, Fulton, Lake, Marshall, Perry, St. Joseph, Starke, Switzerland and White counties. This flooding has destroyed or caused severe damage to homes, businesses, structures and infrastructure.  On February 26, 2018 seven counties were added: Benton, Clark, Crawford, Floyd, Jefferson, Spencer and Warrick counties. Governor Holcomb signed a new executive order, February 27, 2018, to include Harrison, Jasper, Ohio and Pulaski counties--making 22 total counties covered by this disaster emergency declaration so far.

County Emergency Declarations: The following 22 counties have issued county emergency declarations: Benton, Carroll, Clark, Crawford, Dearborn, Elkhart, Floyd, Fulton, Harrison, Jasper, Jefferson, Lake, Marshall, Ohio, Perry, Pulaski, Spencer, St. Joseph, Starke, Switzerland, Warrick and White counties. 

If a county has issued an emergency declaration, this means the county board of commissioners has determined that conditions are such that emergency services may not be provided to the public in a timely fashion, and may be significantly delayed. A county emergency declaration initiates county emergency plans, and allows additional resources to be provided by the state to assist local response efforts. 

WEATHER OUTLOOK

While weather conditions improved in the early part of this week, some precipitation is forecast going into Wednesday for Central and Southern Indiana. The National Weather Service (NWS) is predicting Marginal Risk of Flash Flooding for a few small areas in far Southern Indiana. Snow is forecast for Thursday as temperatures drop in Northern counties, with 2 inches to 6 inches anticipated in areas.

TETANUS VACCINATIONS

The Indiana State Department of Health is supplying the following counties with doses of tetanus vaccine: Clark, Marshall and Dearborn counties; beginning Feb. 28: Jefferson, Perry and Carroll counties. Residents should contact the local health department for information about receiving vaccinations.

STATE RESPONSE 

The State Emergency Operations Center was activated Wednesday, February 21, 2018, and continues to respond to requests for assistance from local officials. The State EOC has directly assisted counties by coordinating the delivery of over 750,000 sandbags, two water pumps, heavy equipment and vehicles, labor crews, traffic control, UAV photography and subject matter expertise on disaster response and recovery. 

In addition to the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, other agencies providing services include the Department of Natural Resources, Indiana State Police, Indiana Department of Transportation, Indiana Department of Correction, Indiana Department of Environmental Management, Indiana National Guard and the American Red Cross. 

The State EOC will continue operating and monitoring the status of the ongoing situation across the state. 

The State Joint Information Center was activated Monday, February 26, 2018, at noon. 

DAMAGE REPORTING  

Indiana residents should report UNINSURED damage through the online portal located at http://bit.ly/2018rainfall. It can also be found at dhs.in.gov. under Featured Topics. The link is labeled "Indiana Damage Reporting for Heavy Rain and Flooding: February 15, 2018 and continuing"  

Indiana residents with flood insurance should contact their insurance providers for instructions. 

SHELTERS

The following shelters are currently open; another nine locations are on stand-by:

SAFE TRAVEL 

HEALTH AND SAFETY CONCERNS 

FLOOD SAFETY AND CLEANUP

The Red Cross has provided steps for people to follow if their community is affected by flooding:

In the aftermath of flooding and other natural disasters, property owners are vulnerable -- making perfect targets for scammers pretending to offer help cleaning up wreckage and making necessary repairs. Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill recommends the following when working with someone offering services:

For more information about actions before, during and after flooding, visit www.GetPrepared.in.gov.

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