The State of Indiana has awarded more than $14 million in this year’s round of Secured School Safety Grants. The program provides a 50-50 match to help schools buy security equipment, hire resource officers, or conduct threat assessments.
Pulaski County Ambulances Back in Use, Following Repair Work
Two of Pulaski County’s ambulances are back in service, following recent repairs. EMS Director Bryan Corn told the county commissioners Monday that the truck that was damaged in an accident on Christmas Eve seems to be working fine now. “We’re using it. So far, we haven’t had any issues,” he said. Continue reading
Disaster Recovery Center Opens in LaPorte
A FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) will open in LaPorte today to assist flood-affected residents in La Porte, Porter and Starke counties.
The DRC is located in the Sheriff’s Building on Concession Boulevard at the LaPorte County Fairgrounds, located at 2581 West State Road 2 in LaPorte. It will be open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. (CT), Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturdays. Continue reading
Individual FEMA Assistance Now Available to Pulaski and Starke County Residents Impacted by the Flooding
According to the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, Individual Assistance from FEMA is now available to 13 more counties, including Starke and Pulaski.
Now that Starke and Pulaski counties are eligible for Individual Assistance, homeowners and renters whose primary residence was damaged by the flooding that occurred between February 14th and March 4th can apply for federal disaster assistance.
The funds are intended to cover uninsured losses for flood damages. Individuals are encouraged to register with FEMA before the deadline of Thursday, July 5th. Continue reading
Pulaski County Commissioners Approve New Fuel Tank for Ambulance
Pulaski County continues to deal with ambulance issues. Last week, the county commissioners voted to let the EMS department spend nearly $2,800 to replace the fuel tank in its oldest truck.
Pulaski County EMS Still Working to Resolve Ambulance, Staffing Issues
After months of discussions, one of Pulaski County’s ambulances will be repaired, but now another one is out of service. That’s what EMS Director Bryan Corn told the county commissioners last week. He said the ambulance that was heavily damaged in an accident on Christmas Eve was in Iowa being repaired by its original builder. “The insurance company finally gave that the go-ahead for them to fix that,” Corn said. “That truck hopefully, according to Iowa, will be back to us sometime next week.”
Pulaski County Commissioners Get Update on FEMA Damage Assessment
Pulaski County is looking to get some federal help to repair flood damage. Representatives from FEMA and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security met with various local officials last week, according to Pulaski County EMA Director Sheri Gaillard. “We really don’t have any information. They couldn’t tell us if we met the threshold or not,” she told the county commissioners Monday. “They just went over our dollar amounts and praised us for our documentation. Everything was good there. The next step is to turn it over to the governor to see if the State of Indiana meets the threshold. If we’ve met the threshold, they will then give all that information to FEMA.”
Be Prepared for Severe Weather
Be prepared for severe weather by creating a safety plan and prepare a household disaster kit.
The Indiana Department of Homeland Security encourages residents to practice severe weather emergency plans which include identifying an evacuation route in your home and in neighborhoods. During a tornado, the safest place is the basement or storm cellar. If those options are not available, go to an interior room on the lowest level with no windows. Seek shelter from flying debris by getting under a desk, table or sturdy object.
Daylight Saving Time Starts Sunday
Get ready to “spring forward.” Daylight Saving Time officially begins Sunday at 2:00 a.m. That means clocks should be moved forward one hour before going to bed on Saturday.
Starke, Pulaski, Marshall Counties Included in Governor’s Disaster Emergency Declaration
Indiana Department of Homeland Security Collecting Property Damage Reports, Following Flooding
Those who’ve experienced property damage due to recent flooding can report it to the Indiana Department of Homeland Security. Department officials say homeowners, renters, businesses, and non-profit organizations can all report uninsured damage caused by severe storms and flooding since February 15. That could include structural damage to homes, as well as the loss of personal property.
Department of Homeland Security Encourages Workplace Security
The Indiana Department of Homeland Security encourages all Indiana employers to share the responsibility of securing their facilities through the installation of security cameras and having trained staff to deal with weather and workplace emergencies.
Threats such as fires and severe weather can happen at any time. Employees should be properly trained on what to do in case of a fire emergency or severe weather emergency such as storms, tornadoes, lightning and flooding.
State Fire Marshal Provides Alternative Heating Tips
Around this time of year, many people are doing whatever they can to keep the effects of winter weather out of their homes. However, for your own safety, there are a few things you should know before you do so.
According to State Fire Marshal Jim Greeson, alternative heating sources are one of the leading causes of home fires and account for 19 percent of home fire deaths in the U.S. Marshal Greeson advises Hoosiers to take particular precautions if alternative heating equipment is utilized in order to ensure safety this season.
He advises residents to never leave space heaters on in unoccupied rooms and to only have one heater plugged in to each electrical outlet. Be to keep heaters away from loose or flammable objects such as clothing, curtains, bedding and furniture. Continue reading
Stay Safe from Criminals during Holiday Shopping
As you go about your Christmas shopping, the Indiana Department of Homeland Security has a few tips to keep you safe from criminals.
Winter Weather Preparedness Week Vehicle Tips
Today is the final day of Winter Weather Preparedness Week.
Readiness extends beyond being safe in your own home so the Indiana Department of Homeland Security has a few helpful vehicle tips to keep in mind as road conditions become more dangerous with incoming inclement weather.
First, be sure to have your vehicles looked over by a mechanic before the cold weather hits. The mechanic should check the brakes, heater, defroster, tires, windshield wipers and any other parts they may be susceptible to issues in the winter-time. You may also take this time to review your car insurance coverage or even compare bear river insurance products to get the best deal for you. Continue reading
Winter Weather Preparedness Week
It is Winter Weather Preparedness Week and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security is encouraging Hoosiers to become better equipped to deal with the approaching winter season.
IDHS provided a couple of tips to help inspire individuals to be actively involved with winter preparedness now through November 18th.
Use this week to create or maintain a home readiness kit that may be needed during winter storms. Kits should include a first aid kit and necessary medications, extra clothing, shoes and blankets as well as copies of important documents such a photo ID and Social Security cards. It would be helpful to have a battery-powered or hand crank radio and flashlight. Also include food and water for up to three days, with one gallon of water per person per day. Continue reading
State Fire Marshal Urges Residents Stay Safe While Heating Their Homes
As colder weather approaches, the Indiana Department of Homeland Security reminds residents to stay safe while keeping their homes warm. State Fire Marshal Jim Greeson says alternative heating sources, like space heaters and other devices are a big cause of home fires and fire-related deaths.
October is National Cybersecurity Month
The Indiana Department of Homeland Security is encouraging all residents to take the necessary steps to achieve cyber security starting by getting an edr.
October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. The Indiana Department of Homeland Security encourages you to take simple steps to safeguard yourself online and to learn strategies on how to recover from a cyber attack.
Tips for Hoosiers Looking to Help Victims of Hurricane Harvey
We may be more than a thousand miles away from Hurricane Harvey’s impact but there are still many ways that Hoosiers can help positively impact the lives of those in need. When donating money or supplies, be especially aware of who you’re assisting. Unfortunately during times like these, criminals can prey on eager humanitarians just trying to help. Continue reading
Lightning Safety Week Raises Awareness of Weather Dangers
The Indiana Department of Homeland Security and the National Weather Service have partnered to celebrate Lightning Safety Awareness Week in the state, June 18-24. The week is designed to have Hoosiers have a better understanding of the dangers of lightning. Continue reading
