BEDFORD — Lawrence County Emergency Management Director Valerie Luchauer presented a series of operational updates to the Lawrence County Commissioners on Tuesday morning, confirming the completion of critical planning mandates while highlighting ongoing weather monitoring and community needs.
Luchauer reported that the agency has officially completed both its local Hazardous Materials Plan and the federal National Incident Management System (NIMS) survey. Department staff is now focusing on finalizing the annual fiscal report.
In addition to administrative compliance, emergency management officials are closely tracking ongoing flooding issues across Indiana. Luchauer cautioned local property owners about strict regulatory hurdles facing severely damaged structures.
“If your home or structure is 50 percent damaged due to floods or even a tornado, there are so many steps to go through to get a building permit,” Luchauer explained, emphasizing the importance of working through proper local channels before rebuilding.
Luchauer also shared that the agency has completely distributed its inventory of emergency weather alert radios to residents.
“The radios went quickly, and there is always a need for them,” Luchauer said, issuing a call to action for local civic groups and businesses.
Any business, organization, or donor interested in contributing funds to help purchase additional weather radios for county residents is encouraged to contact the Lawrence County Emergency Management office.
