City of Bloomington Responds To Call For Help Across Region

FOR IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE
June 13, 2008

For more information, please contact:
Danny Lopez, Communications Director, City of Bloomington, 349-CITY, lopezd@bloomington.in.gov




Bloomington, IN - In the wake of last week's Southern Indiana floods, the City of Bloomington is offering its resources in a collaborative effort to restore order to the region.

"Just as we have coordinated with our City departments to continue to address local needs, we are also finding ways to help our neighbors from surrounding towns and counties," said Mayor Mark Kruzan. "I'm saddened by the reason our assistance is needed, but I'm pleased we're able to lend helping hands."

Chief Mike Diekhoff was contacted by the Columbus Police Department with a request for assistance. This morning, five police personnel from the City of Bloomington Police Department (BPD) reported to the City of Columbus to aid in maintaining police services as flood cleanup continues. Of the five, one is a supervisor working with his counterpart in Columbus to coordinate the efforts, and the four officers will be paired with officers from Columbus. The BPD will continue to provide the assistance through Monday morning. In addition, last week BPD officers on the Monroe County Dive Team were deployed to Brown County to help with that community's recovery efforts as several areas remained swamped by the heavy rains.

Other City of Bloomington departments have offered their resources throughout the region, as well. The City's Animal Shelter has begun transporting animals from the Morgan County facility, which is well over capacity with animals whose owners had to abandon their properties. This morning alone 22 dogs were brought to Bloomington en route to the Milwaukee Humane Society, and 50 to 60 more were transported to Monroe County from a private rescue in Morgan whose facility was flooded out. In the midst of the devastation and the uncertainty of the coming weeks, it is unclear how long the assistance will be needed.

The City of Bloomington Volunteer Network (CBVN) has also been coordinating local efforts to provide regional assistance. Through collaboration with local community groups, CBVN has pieced together volunteer schedules and communicated opportunities for Bloomington residents hoping to help in surrounding counties. Response has been strong, an indication that the Bloomington community - like the City - is ready to come to the aid of its neighbors.

To volunteer in Owen or Morgan Counties:

Contact Sherwood Oaks Christian Church through Lyne Brown (lbrown@socc.org; 334-0206 ext. 274). They are organizing local volunteers to meet the flood-related needs of people in Owen and Morgan Counties (and Monroe, if it proves necessary).

To volunteer in Brown, Bartholomew, Jackson, Jennings or Decatur counties:

Call (812) 376-6666 to register with the First Call for Help - 211 Volunteer Action Center of Bartholomew County. You will be asked to give your contact information, skills, time availability and special equipment availability (trucks, chain saw, cleaning equipment, etc.). A volunteer will return your call within 72 hours.

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