HCW | Resources
Being prepared in a crisis is key so here is a list of helpful information about who to call and websites in Hamilton County that my help your situation for a weather-related need. Knowing what an emergency situation and a non-emergency situation is will help you know who to contact for your specific need.
Emergency Situations
A tornado is a violently rotating column of air extending from the base of a thunderstorm down to the ground. Tornadoes are capable of completely destroying anything in its path. Seek shelter IMMEDIATLY. Getting a video on your phone isn’t worth your life. Once you have gotten into shelter and you can safely do so, notify 9-1-1.
Flooding, especially flash floods, can be an emergency lifesaving situation. One of the most dangerous things you can do is to drive a vehicle through water covered roads. Water that is just 6 inches deep can sweep a car away and into deeper waters. “Turn around, don’t drown” are words to LIVE by, especially if you are unfamiliar with the road that is covered with water. If you see a car swept away by water or a home/business threatened by flood waters, don’t hesitate to call 9-1-1.
Lines down across a home, vehicle or road should always be considered live (energized) until proven otherwise by trained professionals. Live power lines can kill you instantly if touched or even indirectly contacted via water in a wet environment. Never assume a line is safe even if you don’t see sparks.
“When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors”, wise words from the NWS. A bolt of lightning is 54,000° Fahrenheit, 5x hotter than the surface of the sun. If you see a structure get struck by lightning, even if you don’t see smoke immediately, call 9-1-1 so the local fire department can investigate it. Lightning can cause damage that isn’t always visible on the outside, such as slow smoldering or electrical system damage.
If you smell gas, you should immediately evacuate the area. Gas leaks can pose and explosive danger as well as an asphyxiation danger. Beware of ignition sources (sparks, open flame, friction) that could ignite gas in the air. Your primary concern should be getting to clean air and then call for assistance.
Non-Emergency Situations
A power outage during or after a storm, in most cases, is NOT an emergency. In some cases where lifesaving medical equipment has lost power emergency services may need to be contacted. Local law enforcement and the 9-1-1 dispatcher do not have the means to expedite getting power restored to your home/business. Calling 9-1-1 in a non-emergency situation can delay getting help to someone that has a true emergency. Contact your respective power company and be patient as many others may be experiencing the same situation.
A gas outage during or after a storm, in most cases, is NOT an emergency. In some extreme cases of low temperatures and heat is lost for an extended time emergency services may need to be contacted. In most cases the 9-1-1 dispatcher does not have the means to expedite getting gas restored to your home/business. Calling 9-1-1 in a non-emergency situation can delay getting help to someone that has a true emergency. Contact your respective gas company and be patient as many others may be experiencing the same situation.
Janus Developmental Services, Inc. operates an affordable, on demand public transit system for Hamilton County. The program is available to meet the transportation needs of individuals with disabilities as well as the general public.
HOURS OF TRANSPORTATION SERVICE
Mon – Fri 6 am to 6 pm, Sat 7 am to 3 pm
FARES $3.00 per one-way trip
Passes may be purchased from the driver or at Janus
Road Hazards
During and after storms there can be many things that hinder the roads around Hamilton County. Anything from fallen trees to debris blown from blocks away. Depending on where this occurs will define who you need to contact. If you are within an incorporated city or town you need to contact the Street Department of the respective city/town. If you are outside the incorporated limits and inside Hamilton County, you need to contact the Hamilton County Highway Department. If you are calling about a state highway or interstate (I69, SR 37, SR 32, SR 38, SR 47 or SR 213), then you need to contact the Indiana Department of Transportation.
Emergency Disaster Assistance
For long term assistance of fire, flood and storm damage contact the American Red Cross.
