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[Southsider2k12]

We went out to Garwood today, and driving along Highway 20, there are significants parts of it underwater. Behind the Big Lots building, where the marshland is, that has overflown and is covering a lane to a lane and a half of the road, and it is still raining. Going along 20, there are lots of parts of Evergreen Plaza and Trail Creek that are flooding as well. Hopefully everyone out there is OK!

[Southsider2k12]

http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?Sectio...amp;TM=46431.54

City gives flood advice

From Staff Reports

MICHIGAN CITY - Mayor Chuck Oberlie and John W. Jones, director of Emergency Management, met with a representative of the Indiana Department of Homeland Security and the State Fire and Building Safety Administration last week as for a preliminary damage assessment.

Damage assessment field operatives from FEMA, the Indiana Department of Homeland Security and the Small Business Administration canvassed neighborhoods in the city to assess the extent of damage from the storm of Sept. 13 and 14.

Federal guidelines that determine eligibility include a threshold of 25 residences with 'major damage.' The definition of major damage is considered to be residences that have 40 percent or more uninsured or under-insured damage.

"Locally, we have taken more than 250 calls from the Michigan City area alone with reports of water in basements. The reports of damage are very concerning to us and we have been actively taking the reports and working with FEMA to get any relief that is available," said Jones.

"We are conducting regular meetings to organize local efforts to respond to public infrastructure problems affecting citizens while staying in close contact with federal and state officials capable of offering some help," Oberlie said.

Residents are encouraged to continue their clean-up efforts by pumping or wet vacuuming water from basements and following up with disinfection efforts.

Bobbi Petru, executive director of the La Porte County Chapter of the American Red Cross, said all wet items should be removed from basements.

"Wipe down any salvageable items with a 10 percent bleach solution consisting of one part bleach to nine parts water and throw out any items that cannot be cleaned," Petru said. "In many cases, carpets must be removed. Furniture and other salvageable items can be wiped down and dried in the sun. Wet masonry walls should also be wiped down and floors mopped with the bleach solution after water is removed. Dehumidifiers and fans are also useful in drying basements after water has been removed. Face masks and gloves should be worn and can be purchased locally."

Oberlie said residents should call the Refuse Department at 873-1530 for special trash pick up.

As information is obtained from state and federal officials, City Hall will disseminate instructions to the public.

"Citizens should monitor local media outlets for related developments," Oberlie said. "If we are successful in obtaining a presidential disaster declaration for La Porte County, directions will follow for next steps needed for our citizens to file damage claims."

The state has set up a Web site at www.emergency.in.gov. Michigan City residents who have not filed a damage report with local Emergency Management should call 873-1499; La Porte County residents outside Michigan City can call (219) 326-6808, Ext. 2264.

Reports can also be filed online with the state by going to www.in.gov/dhs or by calling the Indiana State Faith Based Initiative at (888) 335-9490.