By SCOTT SANDER
WISH-TV | wishtv.com
Fueled by fallout from devastating flooding through the Southwest and in Texas, Gov. Mike Braun is appointing a new task force to improve Indiana’s current system of alerts and warnings and decide if more steps are needed to keep the state safe.
At least 132 deaths are confirmed and many more are feared in Texas, where Indiana Task Force #1 is helping with rescue and recovery work. Braun also activated five first responders and three trained dogs through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact.
The aftermath of the tragedy has seen sharp criticism come in for federal, state, and local alert systems in Texas.
Braun
An announcement from Braun’s office quotes the governor as saying, “Following the tragic loss of life from flooding in Texas, we’re taking proactive action to make sure our emergency alert systems are up-to-date, fully functional, and that we’re making any enhancements possible to better protect Hoosiers from extreme weather.”
According to the announcement, the Indiana Department of Homeland Security and the Integrated Public Safety Commission will lead the task force. This team will consider input from town, city, and county-level fire and law enforcement leaders.
Braun’s plan also calls for the Indiana Geographic Information Office, the National Weather Service, and cell network carriers to advise the panel.
So far, there is no word on the specific areas that are in line for improvements, but failures in spring tornado siren tests and longstanding concerns about how and when to use such sirens would likely make them a key area of emphasis.
The inclusion of cell carriers in the conversation underscores the increasing reliance on modern devices for emergency information, which investigators in Texas fear may have contributed to the devastating loss of life there.
Braun wants the task force to work through autumn and submit recommendations for improving emergency alerting protocols, systems, and technology by Nov. 1.
This story was originally published by WISH-TV at wishtv.com/weather/weather-stories/indiana-sets-task-force-improve-emergency-alerts.