BEDFORD – Lawrence County Emergency Management Director Valerie Luchauer shared a heartening story with the commissioners this morning, detailing a recent collaboration that helped an elderly woman in need during the winter storms that hit the region. The woman had only 2 percent propane remaining, and with the road to her home covered in snow and ice, the propane truck could not make a delivery.
“We made some calls and were able to find two local contractors who went out and assessed the situation,” Luchauer explained. “One of them provided salt and sand free of charge to make the road passable so the propane driver could complete the delivery.”
Luchauer emphasized that this was a perfect example of how emergency management works to find solutions in difficult situations, showcasing the importance of community cooperation in times of crisis.
In addition to this story, Luchauer updated recent emergency preparedness efforts. She highlighted a tabletop exercise held with Radius Indiana, Chance Sizemore, and officials from Crane, which simulated a destructive attack on Lawrence County. “Lawrence County was wiped out during the exercise,” Luchauer said. “People don’t realize how critical it is to have food and water, especially if their family has a limited income. It’s important to have essential supplies, like water, bleach, a bag of beans or rice, and an alternative cooking source like a grill.”
She stressed the need for families to be self-sufficient during emergencies. “Families will be on their own for at least 72 hours after an emergency strikes,” Luchauer warned, encouraging residents to prepare for such scenarios.
Luchauer also addressed the ongoing situation with Avian Influenza, particularly in light of the recent culling of 2.8 million laying hens at Rose Acres in Jackson County. The source of the outbreak is attributed to migrating birds, such as ducks and geese. “Backyard flocks are highly susceptible,” Luchauer added, stressing that avian flu is highly contagious, even more so than COVID-19.
The Indiana State Board of Animal Health is conducting ongoing testing at farms near the outbreak site to monitor the health of birds and eggs. The American Egg Board has reported significant losses in the industry, with 40 million egg-laying hens lost over the past year. However, Luchauer emphasized that the outbreak poses no risk to human safety.
As Lawrence County continues to focus on disaster preparedness and response, Luchauer reminded residents that maintaining emergency readiness is a shared responsibility.
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