LAWRENCE CO. – Thanks to a generous $5,500 grant from Duke Energy, Lawrence County Emergency Management provides free weather radios to the most needy residents. This initiative ensures that vulnerable individuals, particularly those without reliable access to weather information via the internet or cable television, can stay informed about potentially dangerous conditions.
According to Lawrence County Emergency Management Director Valerie Luchauer, the demand for these radios has been significant. “We gave away all our weather radios,” stated Luchauer. “But this grant allowed us to purchase more. There is a waiting list. This has been the most volatile storm season with more tornado warnings since I have been director.”
Emergency Management officials emphasize that the new radios have been ordered, and the existing waiting list will be prioritized. “We want to ensure that those most vulnerable are not left in the dark when severe weather strikes,” said the representative.
Residents who meet the criteria for need are encouraged to contact the Lawrence County Emergency Management office at 812-277-9680 to inquire about receiving a weather radio.
In related news, Lawrence County Emergency Management urges all residents to report any storm or flood damage they have experienced as soon as possible. This urgent request supports ongoing efforts to work with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to potentially secure aid for those affected and help repair bridges and roads damaged by the storms and flood waters in Bedford, Mitchell, and Oolitic.
Residents who sustained damage or flooding during the storms on March 15th are specifically asked to report their damage to the Small Business Administration (SBA) office in the Orleans Town Hall. The SBA office will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. this week and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The deadline to report damage from the March 15th storms at this location is the close of business on Saturday.
Those who experienced damage after March 15th are asked to contact the Indiana Homeland Security website and apply for assistance.
“Lawrence County residents are independent people and may be able to pay for their damage, but it is still important to report damage and loss,” Commissioner President Rodney Fish emphasized. He noted that these damage reports are crucial as the county seeks funds to repair storm and flood damage to local roads and bridges.
Lawrence County Emergency Management urges all residents who have sustained storm or flood damage to contact their office today by phone at 812-277-9680 or email at lcema@lawrencecounty.in.gov. Prompt reporting will play a vital role in the county’s efforts to secure much-needed assistance for its residents.
