Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Thursday, March 1, 2018
(UNDATED) - Beginning February 15, 2018, heavy rain and storms occurred, causing many rivers in Indiana to overflow their banks.
County-level response continues in the southern portion of the state, as flood waters continue to move south and impact communities. The State Emergency Operations Center remains available for coordination and resource support.
As flood waters recede, property damage assessments are underway throughout the state, especially in Northern counties. State and local teams continue to conduct assessments and gather information, which began February 28, 2018. Teams from the American Red Cross are also assisting in damage assessment efforts. Assessments will continue in each county, 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.
Assistance Hotline: Through March 17, several relief agencies are staffing a free hotline for debris removal and home cleanup for Indiana residents. This hotline will connect those impacted by flooding with reputable and vetted relief agencies. All services are free, but not guaranteed due to an overwhelming need for assistance. Indiana residents needing assistance may call 800-415-1954.
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
Cloudiness and wind gusts up to 32 mph is forecast in Indiana Thursday night. The National Weather Service (NWS) is predicting snow, mainly in northern 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 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, Elkhart, Floyd, Jefferson, Lake, 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 10 locations are on stand-by:
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, as many waterways have not yet crested. 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:
Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill recommends the following when working with someone offering services:
For more information about actions before, during and after flooding, visit www.GetPrepared.in.gov.
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