Individuals Urged to Join the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Blue Campaign

January is recognized as National Human Trafficking Prevention month and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security established “The Blue Campaign” back in 2010 to bring visibility to the prevalent, but often under reported and over looked, global issue.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, annually, millions of women, men and children are trafficked in countries around the world, including the United States. It is estimated that it’s a $32 billion per year industry that includes domestic servitude, sexual trafficking and forced labor. Continue reading

Halloween Safety Reminders

Though Halloween isn’t officially until Tuesday, many areas will be celebrating early this weekend. The Indiana Department of Homeland Security has a few tips to celebrate the festivities safely.

DHS reports that children are twice as likely to be killed by an automobile while walking on Halloween compared to any other time of the year. If you’re driving, be alert, drive slow and take extra time at intersections making sure no one is attempting to cross.

Walkers should also use sidewalks when they’re available. If there isn’t one, walk toward the far edge of the street and never cut through yards, alleys or across the road. Utilize crosswalks and be aware of potential oncoming vehicles. Continue reading

Confusion Rampant Regarding Warning Level Travel Advisories

  
 
With the high number of local travel advisories that have been issued during this harsh winter, many people are left wondering how these travel advisories can affect them, their plans, and even their ability to go to work. During a “warning” level travel advisory, travel may be restricted to emergency management workers only, directing individuals to refrain from all travel, comply with necessary emergency measures, cooperate with public officials and disaster services forces in executing emergency operations plans, and obey and comply with the lawful directions of properly identified officers.

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Starke County Emergency Food and Shelter Board to Distribute Funds

  
 

Starke County has chosen to receive $11,262 in federal funds made available through the Department of Homeland Security/Federal Emergency Management Agency under the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board for Phase 31.

The national board is made of representatives from the Salvation Army, American Red Cross, the Jewish Federations of North America, Catholic Charities USA, National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA, and United Way Worldwide.

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DHS Campaign Urges Hoosiers to Report Suspicious Activity

  
 
It’s one of the best defenses against violent acts, and it’s something everyone is capable of doing. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is holding their “If You See Something, Say Something” campaign, encouraging Hoosiers to be vigilant in monitoring and reporting suspicious activities. According to a survey released earlier this week, 56 percent of Americans say they hadn’t heard of the campaign, but in light of the incident at the Boston Marathon and the data from the report, the Indiana DHS, state police, and city of Indianapolis Department of Public Safety are doing everything they can to bring forth this message and shed some light on this campaign.

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DHS, FEMA Award Starke County With Emergency Food and Shelter Funds

The Department of Homeland Security and FEMA have awarded Starke County with $11,412 to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the county.

The Starke County Emergency Food and Shelter Board will determine how the funds will be distributed among the programs within the county that are run by local service agencies in the area.

Public or private voluntary agencies interested in applying for Emergency Food and Shelter Program funds must contact Joan Haugh at Community Services of Starke County at (574) 772-7070 for an application. Completed applications must be received by Dec. 17 at 4 p.m.

Report Storm Damages Online To Department of Homeland Security

It wasn’t a tornado went through the area on Friday, but strong straight-line winds that caused power outages across the listening area and extensive damage to homes and boats at Bass Lake and several other locations.

If you sustained damage caused by severe weather Friday or Sunday, report it to the Indiana Department of Homeland Security by going online to www.myoracle.in.gov/hs/damage. If you don’t have internet access, contact a friend or neighbor for help, or go to the local library and someone can help you with you in this process.

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