Submitted by Office of Gov. Mike Braun
On Thursday, Aug. 13, Governor Mike Braun declared a statewide disaster emergency and announced he has mobilized the Indiana National Guard. He continues leading Indiana’s coordinated response to widespread damage, power outages and flooding caused by this week’s severe storms and derecho.
The governor traveled to Cambridge City on Thursday to assess significant flash flooding and coordinate response efforts with local officials, first responders, and state emergency management officials. The community is among several across Indiana dealing with significant flooding.
“My heart goes out to every Hoosier impacted by these storms,” the governor said. “My number one priority is protecting Hoosier lives, and our state and local teams are standing shoulder to shoulder to do just that. Our state’s response is firing on all cylinders. I’ve declared a statewide disaster emergency, mobilized the Indiana National Guard, and directed state agencies to get people, equipment, and resources where they’re needed. Hoosiers can be confident that we are working around the clock to keep people safe and help our communities recover.”
Gov. Braun declares statewide disaster emergency
On, Thursday, Aug. 13, Gov. Braun signed Executive Order 26-21, declaring a statewide disaster emergency. The declaration finds that state assistance is necessary to supplement local resources and directs the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) to enlist the support of other state agencies and provide needed emergency services to impacted counties. It also directs IDHS to coordinate necessary assistance among federal, state, and local agencies.
State agencies are responding to requests from communities across Indiana, including boats and personnel for water rescues, heavy equipment and crews for debris removal, traffic control, emergency generators, oxygen support, fuel, and evacuation assistance.
Indiana National Guard mobilized
Gov. Braun also authorized the mobilization of the Indiana National Guard to provide additional manpower and resources in Gary, Munster, and Hobart. The Indiana National Guard is positioned for life-saving activities as well as cleanup and support.
State remains ready
The governor has directed state emergency teams to remain ready and is urging Hoosiers to do the same with another round of potential severe weather in the forecast for already impacted communities. Heavy rainfall on already saturated ground could quickly cause additional flash flooding.
“Even as we recover from what has already happened, we are preparing for what may come next,” Gov. Braun said. “Our teams are positioned, our agencies are coordinating, and resources are ready to move. I urge every Hoosier to stay weather aware, listen to local authorities and never drive through floodwaters.”
Resources for Hoosiers
- In an Emergency: Always call 911
- Cooling Centers: Visit on.in.gov/coolingcenters
- Red Cross Shelters: Click here, call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767), or download the free Red Cross Emergency App for access to shelter information
- Report Damage: Indiana 211 is activated for Franklin, Henry, Lake, LaPorte, Madison, Newton, Porter, and Pulaski counties. Call 211 (or 866-211-9966) or visit the 211 website to report damage sustained on your property.
- Lane Closures and Road Conditions: Visit 511in.org.
- Travel Advisory Map: Visit on.in.gov/travel-status.
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