MONROE COUNTY – The Monroe County Emergency Management Agency is currently assessing damages following severe thunderstorms and a likely tornado in the evening hours of Feb. 19. A survey team from the Indianapolis Office of the National Weather Service met with county staff on Friday, Feb. 20, to assess storm characteristics and damage.
County staff observed the following initial damage in western Monroe County:
- Several commercial buildings in western Bloomington and Monroe County near the 3rd St corridor were damaged, including a bank.
- Several residential homes sustained damage to siding, shingles, and roofs.
- The hardest-hit areas include Kirby Rd near the Monroe County Airport, the Fieldstone subdivision, and Highland Village.
Indiana 211 is accepting structural damage reports
Monroe County and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security have activated Indiana 211, and residents are encouraged to submit reports documenting structural damage to their residences or businesses.
To submit a report, individuals can visit in211.org and click “DAMAGE REPORTING” or visit this link directly. Those without internet access can dial 2-1-1 or 866-211-9966.
Dumpsters available for debris disposal, with more coming soon
A set of dumpsters for debris disposal is now located at 5332 W Stonewood Dr. One dumpster will be for wood and vegetation, and the other will be for household debris.
Residents are urged to adhere to signage indicating what materials are accepted in each dumpster.
These dumpsters are available now and will accept debris for disposal for two weeks. They will be removed on Friday, March 6. Other dumpster locations are being finalized, and additional details will be announced soon via press release and on the county’s website.
General disaster recovery reminders
- Document damage with photos before moving or removing debris to help insurance processing, and contact your insurance provider as soon as possible.
- Stay at least 30 feet away, or about the length of two cars, from downed electric lines, and always assume the line is live and a safety hazard. Report downed power lines to your local utility and call 911 in the event of an emergency.
- Unless it’s an emergency, avoid driving through or visiting impacted areas to allow emergency and recovery crews the space they need to help residents.
