FEMA will be opening a disaster recovery center in Allen County for residents, who sustained damage from the severe storms, tornado, and flooding that took place March 8-14. The center will be located at the Sears Pavilion, 1701 Bluffton Rd, starting Monday May 11 from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Tuesday May 12 to Thursday May 14 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Indiana Department of Homeland Security has released a list of frequently asked questions to help clarify if residents should come into the center. Please click here to view the clarifying questions.
The Fort Wayne - Allen County Office of Homeland Security is coordinating with local and state officials to monitor and take appropriate precautionary measures on the North American Influenza A (H1N1). Please visit our emergency information link in the upper right hand corner of our page for the most up to date releases pertaining to the North American Influenza A.
It is important for citizens to understand that this is not a pandemic; media attention is being given to this issue because it has the potential to become a pandemic. Therefore, all levels of government are working close together to monitor the situation and engage the public in the appropriate counter measures to take. State and local officials are simply urging citizens to take basic precautionary measures to protect themselves. "Each of us can make a difference. Limiting contact with others can help slow the spread of the illness. Together, we can help protect ourselves, our families, and our communities. In most instances of the flu, those suffering can be cared for at home. Be aware, plan ahead, and share with others what you have learned" Joe Wainscott, Executive Director of IDHS.
"We advise Hoosiers to stay calm and practice normal precautions to avoid influenza and other respiratory diseases. If you have milder symptoms of influenza, we advise you to stay home and contact your health care provider for advice" Dr. Judy Monroe, Health Commissioner ISDH.
Indianapolis- Hoosiers who sustained damage caused by severe weather, including wind and flooding beginning March 8 are urged to call a toll free number to report damage. The number (866-210-1925) is staffed from 8:00 a.m. - 5 p.m. EST through Friday, march 20, 2009. Damage reports also may be made online via the IDHS website at www.in.gov.dhs.
Callers will be asked to provide their name, address, phone number, damage to property and type of damage the property sustained. Losses can include structural damage to homes and loss of personal property.
Individuals calling will not be in conversation with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Information will be used to help local emergency agencies and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security preliminarily assess damage to determine if federal assistance can be pursued. This is one of eight steps that must be taken to decide if we are eligible for federal assistance.
The State of Indiana has designated March 15th thru the 21st as Severe Weather Preparedness Week. Standard procedure for this week is to test the statewide emergency warning sirens, this will be conducted Wednesday March 18th between 10 and 10:30 a.m. and again between 7:00 and 7:30 p.m. If there is adverse weather for the test it will be rescheduled for Thursday March 19th at the same times.
In addition, the National Weather Service is offering a Severe Weather Spotter Training Class at the Public Safety Academy of Northeast Indiana located at 7602 Patriot Crossing, Fort Wayne IN. The training will take place March 3rd at 2 p.m. and again at 7 p.m. No registration is necessary as the class will be held in the auditorium.
For more information regarding severe weather week please view the this link for supplemental materials.
Feb 2008 - The new National Response Framework has been released. The National Response Framework supersedes the National Response Plan and more adequately serves as a guide to how the nation conducts incident response. The new name better aligns the document with its intent. Working toegther to secure our homeland is the key concept; "An effective, unified national response requires layered, mutually supporting capabilities, with States having the primary responsibility for public health and welfare of its citizens. Five elemental principles of operation constitute national response doctrine:"
- Engaged partnerships
- Tiered response
- Scalable, flexible and adaptable operational capabilities
- Unity of effort through unified command
- Readiness to act
Visit the National Response Framework Resource Center to learn more.
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