INDIANA — In a swift, coordinated response to one of the most expansive winter storms in recent history, both President Donald Trump and Indiana Governor Mike Braun have issued formal emergency declarations to unlock critical resources and federal aid for the Hoosier state.
The dual declarations come as Winter Storm Fern blankets Indiana in record-breaking snow and life-threatening Arctic air, prompting a “Red Status” travel warning in several counties and causing widespread infrastructure disruptions.
Late Saturday, President Trump utilized his social media platform, Truth Social, to announce that Indiana was among 12 states receiving federal backing.
“I have just approved Emergency Declarations for Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina, Maryland, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Indiana, and West Virginia,” the President posted. “We are working closely with FEMA, Governors, and State Emergency Management teams to ensure the safety of everybody. Stay Safe, and Stay Warm!”
The federal declaration authorizes the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to coordinate disaster relief efforts. This includes 75% federal funding for emergency protective measures, such as debris removal, equipment mobilization, and life-saving operations
Governor Braun Activates State of Emergency
Following the President’s announcement, Governor Mike Braun signed Executive Order 26-03, declaring a statewide disaster emergency. The order, which remains in effect for 60 days, shifts Indiana into a high-intensity response phase.
“An emergency response declaration is necessary to address ongoing and future response efforts to this dangerous storm and to protect Hoosiers’ lives as conditions worsen,” Governor Braun stated.
Under the Governor’s Executive Order:
- IDHS Coordination: The Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) is directed to coordinate all state-led response efforts.
- National Guard Deployment: Members of the Indiana National Guard have been activated to assist the Indiana State Police with highway rescues and to help stranded motorists in the most heavily impacted regions.
- Agency Mobilization: All executive branch agencies are required to provide personnel and resources to support emergency operations as requested.
A federal and state emergency declaration does not necessarily mean an immediate evacuation or lockdown, but it formally recognizes the severity of the crisis. It allows the government to bypass certain bureaucratic red tape to get snowplows, generators, and emergency supplies where they are needed most.
As temperatures are forecast to drop as low as -27°F tonight, officials are urging residents to take advantage of these resources:
- Warming Centers: Localities across the state have opened public warming shelters. Residents can call 2-1-1 to find the nearest location.
- Travel Status: Monitor the IDHS Travel Map for real-time updates on travel bans and warnings.
Governor Braun expressed his gratitude for the federal support, noting that the coordination between the state and the White House is essential for a “safe and effective” recovery from this historic storm.
