State Of Indiana Response To Flooding

Last updated on Wednesday, February 28, 2018

(INDIANAPOLIS) - Many rivers in Indiana are overflow their banks. County-level response has been ongoing, and the State Emergency Operations Center has been providing coordination and resource support. 

In the northern portion of the state, flood water has receded sufficiently in some areas for damage assessment teams to begin gathering information. State staff have been deployed to Benton, Carroll, Elkhart, Fulton, Kosciusko, Marshall, Newton, Pulaski and White counties, beginning February 28, 2018. Teams include code and elevator inspection staff from the IDHS Division of Fire and Building Safety, which is overseen by Indiana State Fire Marshal Jim Greeson. Assessments will continue in each of these nine counties until complete, at which time teams will continue to other affected counties. Indiana residents are still encouraged to report uninsured damage through the online portal located at http://bit.ly/2018rainfall.

DEVELOPING SITUATION 

Governor Eric J. Holcomb has issued a disaster declaration due to flooding that currently includes 22 Indiana counties, including 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. This flooding has destroyed or caused severe damage to homes, businesses, structures and infrastructure.

County Emergency Declarations: The following 24 counties have issued county emergency declarations: Benton, Carroll, Clark, Crawford, Dearborn, Elkhart, Floyd, Fulton, Harrison, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Kosciusko, 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

Isolated thunderstorm activity is forecast for late Wednesday night and Thursday morning. Rain is forecast Thursday. The National Weather Service (NWS) is predicting significant flooding along rivers creeks, and streams, mainly in west central and southern Indiana.

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 824,000 sandbags, vaccine supplies, shelf-stable meals and water, 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, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the American Red Cross. The Federal Emergency Management Agency also has a representative on site in the State EOC.

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.

TETANUS VACCINATIONS

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

LAKE CLOSURES

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources has implemented emergency orders restricting boat activity on Lake Wawasee, Barbee Lake Chain and Tippecanoe Lake Chain, all in Kosciusko County. Additional emergency orders have been implemented restricting motorboat operation at the West Lakes Chain, consisting of Waldron, Steinbarger, Tamarack and Jones Lakes in Noble County, as well as the Indian Lakes Chain, Witmer, Westler, Dallas, Hackenburg and Messick Lakes in LaGrange County until further notice.

SHELTERS

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

Central Christian Church, 418 W. Franklin St., Elkhart
New Life Community Church, 1 N. Pennsylvania, Hobart (Crated pets allowed.)
Oaklawn Children's Psychiatric Center, 1411 Lincolnway W, Mishawaka
First Christian Church, 3209 Middle Rd. Jeffersonville

Beginning Wednesday, February 28, 2018, the Red Cross began their mobile feeding program distributing lunch and dinner to the hardest hit areas of Elkhart, Jasper, Kosciusko, Lake, Marshall, Pulaski, St. Joseph, Starke and counties.

For those impacted by the flooding in need of Red Cross support are encouraged to call 1-888-684-1441.

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.

SAFE TRAVEL

As flood water moves south, additional road closures are anticipated. Hoosiers can find more information on INDOT routes that are currently closed due to flooding by using the INDOT CARS program online at indot.carsprogram.org or through the INDOT mobile app.

Individuals can also call INDOT customer service at 1-855-463-6848. Check with city, town and county highway departments for the most up-to-date information on local roads affected by flooding.

High water continues to require the closure of several state highways and dozens of local roads, especially in the southern portion of the state. Do not ignore "high water" warning signs or drive around barricades closing roads for flooding.

HEALTH AND SAFETY CONCERNS

Well water in flood-affected areas may be contaminated with pathogens and be unsafe to consume. Residents who use wells should contact the local health department to coordinate testing to ensure their water sources are safe to drink.
Mold is a real issue after a flood. Those affected should be instructed to remove any items from homes or businesses that have been wet for two or more days. A mixture of bleach and water (no more than one cup of bleach per gallon of water) can be used to on rigid surfaces such as countertops, floors, sinks and stoves and plastic toys. Mold can be growing and not be visible.

Flood waters are not safe to swim in, play in or let pets and livestock be in. Flood waters contain various contaminants, chemicals and other dangerous pollutants that can make people and animals sick.

No one who sees or experiences a disaster is untouched by it. Loss from flooding is no exception. Disaster stress and grief is normal, but there is help available if someone in the family needs mental health assistance/counseling. For information on human services, please visit the Indiana Family & Social Services Administration (FSSA). A list of counties with FSSA offices can be found online at http://www.in.gov/fssa/dfr/2999.htm.

FLOOD SAFETY AND CLEANUP

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

People should stay away from flood water. If someone comes across an area where water is above their ankles, they should stop, turn around and go another way. If they encounter a flooded road while driving, they should also turn around and go another way. If the car is caught in rising water, they should get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground.
It is important to be especially cautious at night when it is harder to see flood dangers.
Children are curious and should be kept out of the water.
Continue listening to local radio or television stations or a NOAA Weather Radio for updated information and instructions. If away from home, return only when authorities say it is safe to do so.
Before entering the home, look outside for loose power lines, damaged gas lines, foundation cracks or other damages.
If the smell of natural or propane gas is present or a hissing sound is audible, leave immediately and call the fire department.
If power lines are down outside the home, do not step in puddles or standing water.
Make sure all food and water is safe. Discard items that have come in contact with flood water.
When in doubt, throw it out!
During cleanup, wear protective clothing, including rubber gloves and rubber boots.

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:

Avoid agreeing to any repair or restoration work on the spot during initial contact with someone offering services - this includes contracts.
Avoid signing any legally binding agreements without first gathering information and researching a business being represented.
Obtain information about the individual offering his or her services.
Research the company the individual claims to represent.
Look for signs of credibility such as an official website.
Seek reviews and testimonials from former customers.

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

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