‘Flood Recovery’ begins

Feb. 26--Gov. Holcomb declares Disaster Emergency

INDIANAPOLIS -- Gov. Eric J. Holcomb today issued a disaster emergency for 11 Indiana counties, including Elkhart County, in response to widespread flooding and infrastructure damage caused by sustained heavy rainfall.

The governor signed an executive order to include Carroll, Dearborn, Elkhart, Fulton, Lake, Marshall, Perry, St. Joseph, Starke, Switzerland and White counties. This disaster emergency declaration may be expanded to include other counties in the days ahead, with more rain expected and thunderstorms predicted in the southern part of the state.

The disaster declaration means the state Department of Homeland Security can take necessary actions to provide expanded emergency services and is a step the state is required to take to request assistance from the federal government.

"This is an important step in helping Hoosiers around our state who've been hurt by this flooding," Holcomb said. "Our state agencies will continue to work hand-in-hand with local emergency management teams to help families weather the tragedies they are facing. I'm amazed by their resiliency. Looking ahead, we won't hesitate to seek federal assistance if it proves necessary."

The State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) was activated Thursday morning and continues to maintain a statewide operating picture concerning the status of the ongoing flooding and respond to requests for assistance from local officials. The EOC has directly assisted counties by coordinating the delivery of over 700,000 sandbags, two water pumps, heavy equipment and vehicles, labor crews, traffic control, UAV photography and subject matter expertise on disaster response and recovery.

In addition to the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, other agencies providing services include the Department of Natural Resources, Indiana State Police, Indiana Department of Transportation, Indiana Department of Corrections, Indiana National Guard and the American Red Cross.

The State EOC will continue operating, monitoring the status of the ongoing situation and providing support and resources across the state.

Rain began late in the day on Thursday, Feb. 15 in the northern part of the state and received record-level rainfall through Wednesday, Feb. 21. As a result, the region has experienced unprecedented flood damage to properties and infrastructure. Widespread flooding continues, especially across northwest and northcentral Indiana. Central Indiana is under a flood watch. In the southern part of the state, thunderstorms are underway and expected to continue overnight. These storms may produce high winds, hail, additional rainfall and potentially tornadoes.

The governor toured Elkhart and St. Joseph counties on Friday, learning about the flood damage and local emergency response efforts underway there. He will return from the National Governor's Association meeting in Washington D.C. Monday and will tour more parts of the state affected by recent weather.

To report weather-related damage, visit: https://oas.dhs.in.gov/hs/damage/ia-public.do?method=active&incidentId=IA20180220012405

Goshen warns residents about post flood scams

GOSHEN _ As flood waters recede, the City of Goshen warns property owners to be aware of potential scams. While most contractors offering repair services are legitimate, there are scammers who use emergencies to cheat people.

There are several ways Goshen property owners can protect themselves, according to a press release issued by the City communications office.

--Ask to see the ID of anyone who wants to enter your home or business.

--Never provide personal information (such as your Social Security number, driver's license number or insurance policy number) to anyone until their credentials have been verified.

--If repairs include plumbing, electrical, heating or air conditioning work, licensed contractors must be used. To verify a contractor is licensed to work in the City of Goshen, call the Goshen Building Department at 534-1811.

--The Better Business Bureau can be used to identify any complaints received about a contractor or their business.

--Consider getting one or two estimates from local firms.

--Ask for references and call them.

--Get proof of the contractor's workers compensation insurance. This type of insurance is generally required in Indiana for any contractor with employees.

--Get everything in writing, including estimates, materials, prices and completion dates. Share this information with your insurer before signing anything.

--Never pay upfront for the full cost of repairs. Deposits should be paid only after materials reach your home and work begins.

--Final payment should be made when all work is completed to your satisfaction.

Goshen property owners should report flood damage to City

GOSHEN _ City Staff has been working non-stop not only to assess and manage the city's situation post-flooding, but also to ensure we do all we can to help bring state and federal dollars to those who need them, according to a release provided by the city.

Each property owner needs to contact the city so staff can do a simple flood assessment. These assessments have to be done by the City in order to complete the first step of qualifying for the state or federal money in a flood zone. The City is working hard to help those that need it.

The City will be waving the fees to building permits in flood areas. Inspections will still be required under the permit for both safety and to help guard against individuals being taken advantage of if there are any outside contractors here for the wrong reasons. Individuals who have questions can call the City of Goshen at 533.8621.

Residents and business owners are also reminded that with the recent flooding, many structures in the community may have experienced structural damage. Prior to repairs and/or reconstruction activities, structures damaged due to flooding require a damage assessment and local permit from the Goshen Planning Department, and Goshen Building Department, as required by the Goshen Zoning Ordinance. In addition, depending on a property's location, a permit may be required from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources prior to the start of any repair or reconstruction activity.

Damage assessments must be completed by the City of Goshen for properties that have been flooded, so City staff will be measuring flood water levels and taking photos of structures.

For more information on the assessment and permitting process, please contact the Goshen Planning Department at 574-534-3600, or [email protected]; 204 E Jefferson Street.

All properties that have experienced flood damage should report damage at http://www.in.gov/dhs/

Volunteering in Goshen

GOSHEN _ The following information was provided by the City of Goshen and shared by Chamber of Commerce President Nick Kieffer.

n Volunteers -- Maple City Chapel will be working directly with the city of Goshen coordinating volunteers. Maple City Chapel will be the central coordinator for volunteers. Whether you're an individual, a family or an organization, call Maple City Chapel at 533-0327.

Maple City Chapel and the City ask residents to not self-deploy. Officials want everyone to stay safe and be well-coordinated as efforts are made to help neighbors, according to the information provided

n Reporting Flood Damage: If your business or personal property has been damaged by the flood waters, please contact and report the information to City Planning Office at 534-3600. Also, please document and photograph the damage for records moving forward.

Status of power outages; how to reconnect

SOUTH BEND _ According to a report provided by Indiana Michiana Power, about 1,150 customers remain without power as of late Saturday.

Customers power was disconnected due to flooding conditions. The company estimates that 457 customers were affected in Elkhart alone.

I&M is in close contact with public safety agencies and other authorities, according to the release provided by the company, and will continue working with them in coming days after water recedes to help coordinate the safe reconnection of customers.

I&M cannot restore service to customers whose power was disconnected due to flooding until an inspection by the local government electrical inspector is completed.

STEPS TO RECONNECT

1. Flood waters recede

2. An inspection is conducted by the local government electric inspector

3. I&M receives approval from the inspector

4. I&M reconnects the meter and restores power at the home

If there is damage to the meter base or riser pipe, the homeowner will need to have repairs completed by a qualified electrician before power can be safely restored.

For neighborhoods that have been de-energized at the pole from a fuse, transformer, etc.:

--Once the flooding reaches a level where we can get access to the meters, I&M will disconnect the properties that need inspections or are not ready for reconnection

--I&M will then re-energize the pole, which will bring power to the properties that had no damage or are ready to be reconnected

--For the properties that remain disconnected, once inspections are completed and I&M receives notification from the inspector, or property owner, those meters will be reconnected.

Indiana customers who need more information can call Indiana Michigan Power at 800-311-4634; Michigan customers should call 800-311-6424.

How to help the Salvation Army help flood victims

ELKHART _ Salvation Army teams are deployed in both the City of Goshen and the City of Elkhart to provide feeding to the established American Red Cross Shelters.

In addition, two of The Salvation Army's mobile feeding canteen are in Elkhart County to support the emergency response efforts.

"The Salvation Army in Elkhart County has been glad to come to the support of our neighbors impacted by the recent flooding" said Lt. Shawn DeBaar, Incident Commander for The Salvation Army of Elkhart County. "Those impacted by the flooding are our own neighbors and this is what being a neighbor is all about".

Since Thursday,15 Salvation Army Officers, staff and volunteers have been leading services to those impacted by the flooding, with two mobile kitchens (canteens) and two fixed feeding locations, one at each of the American Red Cross Shelters in Goshen and Elkhart,The organization has served150 meals to shelter residents and disaster volunteers, and more than 220 snacks and drinks given out.

Relief efforts will extend throughout the impacted region. In the short-term aftermath of the flooding, Salvation Army officers and staff will focus primarily on immediate needs providing food, hydration, and emotional and spiritual care to impacted individuals and families, according to a press release provided by the agency.

The best way to help survivors and relief workers is to make a financial contribution, the organization said. Monetary donations allow disaster responders to immediately meet the specific needs of disaster survivors.

The Salvation Army asks people who want to help those affected by the February flooding to visit www.SAElkhart.org or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769). Donors may also contribute via their phone bill by text messaging the word ElkhartFlood to 41444, and confirming the donation with the word, "Yes." Checks may be made out to The Salvation Army Elkhart, 300 N. Main Street, Elkhart, IN 46516. Please designate Elkhart Floods on all checks.

At this point, in-kind donations are not being accepted. Used clothing and used furniture are seldom required during an incident. However, these gifts are vitally important in supporting the day-to-day work of your local Salvation Army. Please consider giving these items to your local Salvation Army Family Store or dial 1-800-SA-TRUCK (1-800-728-7825).

Goshen Kroger closed until further notice; pharmacy, fuel likely to be retored this week

GOSHEN _ Engineers from The Kroger Co. are inspecting the flood damage inside Goshen's Kroger store at 209 Chicago Avenue.

As of Friday, the water had receded from the building. Now the engineers and a remediation team must remove sediment the flooding left behind.

When the floors are cleaned, store associates can move in, evaluate the contents and dispose of anything contaminated or damaged.

The store will remain closed until further notice, but two of its essential services will resume as soon as it is safe to do so.

Kroger is sending a mobile pharmacy to restore prescription service to Goshen.

Remediation will also enable the Kroger Fuel Center to reopen.Both could be operating again by Friday.

Resources for flood recovery

Indiana Michigan Power (AEP): 1-800-311-4634; www.aep.com

NIPSCO: 800-634-3524; www.nipsco.com

Salvation Army in Elkhart: 300 North Main Street, 574-970-0088; http://saelkhart.org/

Grace Community Church (long-term shelter location); 20076 County Road 36 in Goshen; 574-533-7546; http://www.gracecommunity-church.com/

American Red Cross: 574-234-0191; www.redcross.org

FEMA: www.fema.gov

Emergencies: 911

___

(c)2018 The Elkhart Truth (Elkhart, Ind).

Visit The Elkhart Truth (Elkhart, Ind). at www.elkharttruth.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.