State fire investigators assisted local fire departments with 549 investigations in 2015. These took place in 88 counties around the state. Continue reading
Indiana Department of Homeland Security Launches Preparedness Campaign
The Indiana Department of Homeland Security is encouraging Hoosiers to be aware of their surroundings with its new public service campaign, “Ready: Whenever. Wherever.” They say it’s a reminder to be on the lookout for potential acts of violence and to report any suspicious activity to law enforcement. Continue reading
Stay Safe While Shopping In Stores and Online
Don’t let the most wonderful time of the year turn into a nightmare by failing to heed safety precautions while shopping. Continue reading
Indiana Department of Homeland Security Urges Gas Appliance Safety
The Indiana Department of Homeland Security says to leave natural gas appliance work to professionals. The warning comes after four people have been killed in the recent weeks after trying to fix furnaces, heaters, or gas lines. Continue reading
Fire Marshal Stresses Importance of Smoke Alarms and Escape Plans
Having working smoke alarms is one of the most important steps you can take to protect yourself from a fire. Continue reading
Indiana Department of Homeland Security Extends Survey Deadline
Hoosiers still have a few days to share information about their preparedness levels for a widespread emergency or disaster with the Indiana Department of Homeland Security.
FEMA Denies Disaster Assistance Request, Pence Orders Appeal
Gov. Mike Pence has directed the Indiana Department of Homeland Security to pursue an appeal after FEMA denied the state’s request for federal disaster assistance for 19 counties affected by flooding in June and July. That list of counties includes Pulaski, Marshall and Fulton. Assistance would have provided grants to government and nonprofit agencies. Continue reading
IDHS Gauging Hoosiers’ Preparedness
The Indiana Department of Homeland Security is conducting a survey to figure out how prepared citizens are for emergencies and disasters. Continue reading
Storm Damage Assessments Underway Locally
A few local counties are among the 29 in which local, state and federal officials have started assessing damage from recent storms. The assessments are part of the multi-step process to determine whether Indiana qualifies for public assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to repair damage caused by severe weather and flooding between June 7th and July 29th. Such assistance reimburses government and some nonprofit agencies for eligible expenses. Locally the list of counties being evaluated includes Marshall, Fulton and Pulaski. Continue reading
Stay Alert on Amusement Rides
Keep safety in mind when you visit carnivals, fairs and theme parks and hit the rides. Indiana Department of Homeland Security spokesman John Erickson says you shouldn’t board a ride if there’s even the slightest doubt about its safety, and you should not let your children board it either.
He says most rides are safe, but adds adults need to take appropriate action if anything is broken, improperly maintained or not functioning. First tell the ride’s operator about your concerns. If that doesn’t resolve the problem, let the ride company’s management know, and if necessary the venue operator. Erickson says an inattentive ride operator should also be reported. Unresolved concerns should be reported to the state’s ride safety hotline at 1-888-203-5020 or rides@dhs.in.gov. Continue reading
Share the Road With School Buses, Students
School is back in session this week for students in several local corporations. Motorists are reminded to be alert and aware near bus stops and places where youngsters may walk or ride bicycles to or from school.
Indiana Department of Homeland Security spokesman John Erickson says drivers need to slow down and be extra alert for children who are closer to streets. He notes youngsters aren’t good at judging vehicle speeds and may try to cross streets too close to oncoming vehicles. Also Erickson says children listening to music on headsets and playing games on hand-held electronic devices may not be as aware of their surroundings. Continue reading
State Still Short of FEMA Damage Qualification Threshold
Businesses, individual and nonprofit organizations whose property has sustained damages as a result of recent flooding and storms have a few more days to report uninsured damage to the state. Doing so is a first step to see if Indiana may qualify for federal disaster assistance funds. Continue reading
Beware of Storm Cleanup Scam Artists
Scam artists may be trying to take advantage of Hoosiers who sustained property damage as a result of recent storms. Indiana Department of Homeland Security spokesman John Erickson warns fly-by-night contractors may show up in hard-hit areas. He says they may offer immediate help, collect a down payment for promised work and disappear. Continue reading
Hoosiers Urged to Report Uninsured Storm and Flooding Damage
Hoosier homeowners, renters, businesses and private nonprofit organizations that sustained uninsured damage as a result of recent flooding and severe storms are urged to report that damage online. Continue reading
Prepare for Storms Before Going to Bed Tonight
More severe storms are in the forecast during the overnight hours, with damaging winds, large hail, dangerous lightning, flash flooding and isolated tornadoes possible.
Before going to bed, turn up the volume on cell phones to ensure you hear alerts, and make sure your weather apps are set to provide notifications if weather watches or warnings are issued. A watch means conditions are favorable for severe weather. Continue reading
EMA Director Worries About Effect of Rain on Crops
The continued rains have left many area farmers up a creek, so to speak. Starke County Emergency Management Agency Director Ted Bombagetti told the county commissioners last night many have sustained significant losses as a result of standing water. He adds it will be too late for them to replant by the time their fields dry out. Bombagetti has made a formal request for “saturated soil” assistance to the Indiana Department of Homeland Security and is waiting for a response. Continue reading
Officials Warn of High Water Levels
Severe Weather Preparedness Week officially begins tomorrow, and officials are already warning of possible flooding issues this weekend.
With rainfall in parts of the state, yesterday, rivers, creeks, streams and low-lying areas could experience flooding. The addition of snow melt will increase changes of flooding.
No watches or warnings have been enacted in our area at this time.
Travel Watch Issued for Marshall County, Wind Chill Advisory Extended
Marshall County is now under an orange level travel watch. That means only essential travel is recommended. Starke, LaPorte and Pulaski Counties are still under yellow level travel advisories, meaning routine travel may be restricted because roads are hazardous in places. Find more information at http://www.in.gov/dhs/traveladvisory/. Continue reading
Starke County EMA Gets Grant Money for Radio Upgrades
Starke County will be able to upgrade the radios used by police departments, firefighters and other emergency responders without a cost to the county thanks to a grant from the state. Continue reading
Grant Application Approved for Training Exercise
Marshall County EMA Director Clyde Avery will be receiving a $8,485.29 grant as the county council this week approved his request to apply for the grant.
The initial purpose of Indiana Department of Homeland Security reimbursable grant was to purchase recording equipment for the Emergency Operations Center, but Avery told WKVI News that the equipment is not on the approved list for the grant.
