IDHS RENEWS CALL FOR PUBLIC ORGANIZATIONS AND CITIZENS TO REPORT SEVERE WEATHER DAMAGE DAMAGE MUST BE REPORTED IMMEDIATELY.

INDIANAPOLIS, IN -- The following information was released by the Indiana Department of Homeland Security:

Damage assessments from recent storms and flooding are ongoing, and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) is indicating it is critical for citizens, governments and non profits that provide public services to report damage.

"Governor Daniels is informed of the current damage reports," said Joe Wainscott, IDHS executive director. "The Governor has directed IDHS to continue to work closely with local emergency managers to gather additional reports from government entities, qualified non profits, homeowners, businesses and renters."

"IDHS is renewing the call for public entities to report damage through their county emergency managers," said Wainscott. "Citizens should go to the IDHS website (in.gov/dhs) and report their damage. We need the help of all residents who sustained uninsured damage to make sure we have an accurate picture of the overall impact of these storms."

Beginning April 18 and continuing, residents who sustained uninsured damage to their homes, apartments or businesses as a result of severe weather are asked to report the damage online at in.gov/dhs.

The online form will ask for the reporting individual's name, address, phone number, damage to property and type of uninsured damage the property sustained. Losses can include structural damage to homes and loss of personal property.

IDHS uses the information reported on these forms to determine whether to pursue federal assistance.

THIS REPORT IS NOT AN APPLICATION FOR ANY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

This is NOT an application for a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Information will be used to help local emergency management agencies and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security preliminarily assess damage to determine if federal assistance can be pursued.

Individuals without home Internet access are advised to contact a neighbor, family member or friend with Internet access for assistance. Many libraries, recreational facilities, community and religious centers also offer public Internet access. If an individual has absolutely no way to access the online form in the next few days, as a last resort, he or she may contact their local emergency management agency directly. County emergency management agency contact information is available on the IDHS website at http://www.in.gov/dhs/2797.htm.

Leadership for a Safe and Secure Indiana