1/30/2008
Media Contact:
Marcus J. Barlow
Email: mbarlow@indygov.org
Direct: 317-327-3713
Cell: 317-496-5515 |
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City Employees Respond to Storm Damage; Work to Restore Services
INDIANAPOLIS – (January 30, 2007) – City employees worked throughout the night and continue to respond to damage caused by storms that cut through Indianapolis last evening.
The Department of Public Works, Indianapolis Fire Department, Marion County Emergency Management Division, Department of Metropolitan Development and Indy Parks dispatched teams to quickly address public safety issues, such as fallen trees, damaged power lines and structures potentially compromised by high winds.
By Noon today, streets and right of ways were cleared of fallen trees and downed power lines and damage assessments were nearing completion.
"Our city employees are working diligently as they always do to restore services and return neighborhoods to normal," Mayor Greg Ballard said. "This is their community too, and they care about their fellow citizens. We thank them for taking pride in their jobs and for performing them well."
An update for each agency's storm response and clean-up activity follows.
Department of Metropolitan Development
- DMD building inspectors have been working on the west side today, doing an initial assessment of damage. They anticipate having a summary report of that damage today
Indy Parks and Recreation
- Two crews responded to 27 calls within a 12-hour period. These calls involved downed power lines and trees
- All streets and right of ways have been cleared
Inspections and follow-up are ongoing today
Emergency Management Association
- Once the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch, EMA dispatched personnel to the Emergency Operation Center to be on stand-by
- Outdoor Warning Sirens were activated once NWS issued a Tornado Warning for Marion County
- As damage reports came in, representatives from the IFD, IMPD, the Red Cross, IndyGo and others reported to the Emergency Operation Center to assist
- Sixty people were evacuated from a damaged apartment complex near Cliffview Dr. in Wayne Township
- Power is currently being restored to residents
- Assessment of damage to houses and buildings is ongoing today
- Inspection of buildings for structural damage is ongoing today
- EMA is currently providing logistical support to responder agencies as needed
Indianapolis Fire Department
- Last evening, starting at 42nd and Kessler Blvd., IFD performed a sweep for approximately 1.5 miles in all directions looking for storm damage – specifically structural damage east of that location in the direction of severe wind gusts
Department of Public Works
- Twelve snow plow drivers were on duty until 11 p.m. in advance of the weather
- Thirty-six drivers were brought in beginning at 10 p.m. to work the overnight shift
- Drivers focused on making sure inbound streets were clear for the morning rush hour and then moved to secondary streets when the primary/inbound routes were cleared
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