Former Gov. Mitch Daniels' Newsroom


Contact: Marc Lotter
Phone: 317/233-8852
Email: mlotter@gov.in.gov
GOV2

For Immediate Release: Sep 20, 2005
Operation Hoosier Relief daily update - day 18
Operation Hoosier Relief

Operation Hoosier Relief

Daily Update – Day 18

September 20, 2005

 

Mission Assignments:

 

  • The Indiana Department of Homeland Security is closely monitoring the progress of Tropical Storm Rita and has developed a plan to evacuate Camp Indiana should the storm pose a threat to the area.

 

  • The Indiana Department of Natural Resources continues patrolling remote tributaries and providing assistance.  DNR also provided assistance with an entertainment barge that was blown by the storm into a grassy area.

 

  • The Indiana State Police performed law enforcement patrols in the beach area of Biloxi.  ISP responded a number of incidents including drug activity, theft, and curfew violations.

 

  • Medical teams treated over 1,100 patients and dispensed approximately 250 inoculations.  The medical team is also working with the American Red Cross to establish a tetanus shot clinic.

 

  • Since “Operation Hoosier Relief” began just over three weeks ago, Indiana mental health professionals have made contact with more than 3,000 people in the Biloxi area.

 

  • Hoosier Helper crews patrolled over 350 miles and made 35 stops to provide assistance and investigate abandoned vehicles.

 

Evacuee Assistance:

 

  • Indiana is currently home to an estimated 4,200 evacuees.

 

  • By the end of today, approximately eight guests will remain at the Red Cross Shelter at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.

 

  • It is the expectation of the American Red Cross that all guests currently at the shelter at the Indiana State Fairgrounds will be moved to long-term housing by the end of the day tomorrow.  

 

  • Indiana is encouraging all evacuees residing in Indiana to call the following toll-free number to register with the state and make themselves available for state assistance – 866-679-4631.

 

Volunteer Efforts:

 

Anyone interested in volunteering should contact INVOAD online at www.invoad.org or at 866-909-4673.

 

-30-