MEDIA ADVISORY- Marion County Residents affected by heavy rains throughout the weekend

Heavy rains Saturday morning necessitated the evacuation of at least 60 residents in the southern portion of Marion County. Many Marion County Public Safety agencies were involved in the response on Saturday, helping with evacuation, transportation and sheltering of those who were impacted.  The American Red Cross provided shelter and sustenance to responders and victims alike.  Most of the high waters have receded, but they have left damage and debris behind. 

Marion County Emergency Management is working with Mayor Ballard to request a local Disaster Declaration which will be sent to state and federal officials in the hopes of gaining federal funding for individual and public assistance.  The Department of Metropolitan Development will be conducting Damage Assessment throughout the next 24 to 48 hours.

At this time the public is encouraged to do the following;

Ø      If you feel you have damage caused by the heavy rains, please contact the Mayor’s Action Center at 327-4622 to report the location and extent of your damage, or go to www.indygov.org/ema and download the Flood Damage Questionnaire.  Once you have completed the form, return it by mail to Marion County Emergency Management, 47 S State Ave, Indianapolis, In 46201, or fax it to 317.327.7508, or email it to ema.disaster@indygov.org. Requests for damage assessment need to be received by Monday, June 16, 2008.

Ø      The Department of Public Works will be picking up household contents damaged by flood waters until June 27th.  No construction debris will be picked up by DPW.  Residents may also drop off debris at the Marion County Citizens' Transfer Station located at 2700 S. Belmont Ave., which is open nearly every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Ø      If an individual or family needs assistance from the American Red Cross, they should contact the call center at 1-866-GET-INFO (1-866-438-4636).

Ø      People should use caution when entering areas that have previously been flooded.  Be careful when turning on electricity or gas, or entering water filled areas until it is safe.

Ø      Your insurance company should be one of the first calls you make.  They will tell you how to follow their procedures per your personal insurance policy.  If possible, document the damage with photos and video.

Ø      Sandbags will be available for pick up at the DPW West St location, 1725 S West St during regular business hours, 7:00 am – 3:30 pm.

Ø      The Department of Metropolitan Development (DMD), Division of Compliance is urging Indianapolis property owners to consult the city before beginning construction on structures damaged by Saturday’s flooding.  Permits are typically required for work that impacts the structural integrity of a building such as installing floors, roofs, floor joists and beams.  Division of Compliance staff can also provide assistance to affected property owners by reviewing plans for repair work, providing information on licensing and checking that contractors are bonded and liability insurance policies are on file with the city.

The Division of Compliance can be contacted by visiting its offices at 1200 Madison Ave., or by calling (317) 327-8700. Hours of operation are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 8 a.m.- 5 p.m., Wednesday noon-5 p.m. and Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Residents can also access a list of licensed contractors online at www.indygov.org/dmd. Go to compliance, then resources and click on licensed contractors.

Ø      For further information on safe flood recovery, go to the American Red Cross at http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/0,1082,0_570_,00.html , or to FEMA athttp://www.fema.gov/hazard/flood/index.shtm