Operation Hoosier Relief

Daily Update – Day 18

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.

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