Your Harrison County Emergency Management Agency
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Mike Kurz - Emergency Management Director
Our mission is to help the people of Harrison County mitigate the impacts of local threats and hazards through coordinated preparedness, response, and recovery activities.
The information and links on this site help you become more informed and better connected with preparedness activities in our County.
INDOT, ISP & IDHS prepare for winter storm, widespread travel impacts expected
The greatest impacts to travel will be Saturday evening through Sunday morning, but impacts are expected to be ongoing due to frigid temperatures and the possibility of blowing, drifting snow.
INDOT will have all available plows and drivers out on our state-maintained roads (state highways, interstates and U.S. routes). Preparations are being made now to ensure trucks, equipment and personnel are ready. Over 940 plow trucks and over 1,600 plow operators will be deployed over the weekend, with additional winter operations personnel providing support. Crews will remain active for the duration of the event and afterward to continue cleanup efforts.
It takes an average of two-to-three hours for crews to complete a full snow route. During heavy snowfall rates, roadways will become snow-covered between plow passes. Extreme temperatures will hinder the effectiveness of salt so plowing will be INDOT’s main course of action during this winter event. Drivers will treat as conditions allow, and additives may be used to increase the effectiveness of salt. These temperatures will also have an effect on plow fuel systems, requiring the use of fuel additives to prevent freezing.
Motorists are encouraged to keep these tips in mind over the course of this winter event:
Avoid travel during and immediately after winter weather if possible
Share travel plans with others, including route and estimated time of arrival
Have an emergency car kit that includes, at a minimum, water, snacks, blankets, extra clothing, phone charger, a small shovel and a flashlight
Clear snow from all over the vehicle, not just the windows
Consider using fuel treatments to prevent fuel lines from freezing due to extreme temperatures
Utilize main routes where help may be more readily available if needed
Be alert for flashing lights and always give snow plows, first responders and tow companies extra space to work
Drive to the conditions: leave early, slow down, and increase following and stopping distances
Do not overestimate your driving skills or the capability of your vehicle to handle the snow
When in doubt, stay off the road.
Resources during winter weather:
- National Weather Service Weather Briefing: https://www.weather.gov/ind/INwxbrief
- Real-time road conditions via INDOT road and snow plow cameras: https://511in.org/ or the free “INDOT TrafficWise” mobile app: https://www.in.gov/indot/contact-indot/indot-mobile-app/
- Updates via INDOT Social Media Channels: https://www.in.gov/indot/media-room/connect-with-social-media/
- IDHS Travel Advisory Map: https://www.in.gov/dhs/travel-advisory-map/
Stay Informed
Motorists in Indiana can monitor road closures, road conditions, and traffic alerts any time via:
Facebook: facebook.com/indianadepartmentoftransportation
X (formerly Twitter): @INDOT
TrafficWise: 511in.org
Mobile App: iTunes App Store and the Google Play store for Android
855INDOT4U
INDOT has website for you to report winter situations and many other things!
Indiana Department of Transportation has a website available to report a concern on Indiana Interstates, U.S Highways or State Highways! By reporting specific details about the roadway hazard enables INDOT to respond quickly to the situation.
Concerns are categorized in the following groups-
- Winter Situations
- Potholes
- Something on Road
- Broken Device
- Construction
- Facilities
- State Transportation Improvement Project (STIP)
- Other
Remember that submissions are only monitored during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time)
If it is an emergency, call 911. If you have an urgent concern, please call (855) 463-6948 to speak with a representative.
855INDOT4U Report a Concern
TRAVEL ADVISORY INFORMATION
Travel status information is provided by each county's emergency management agency. As counties initiate official travel advisories and notify the state, the map updates with that information.
For the most updated version of this map, please refresh or reload your browser. The map does not refresh automatically within the browser.
Local travel advisories may be issued by local governments according to Indiana Administrative Code 326 4-1.
- INDOT Travel Information (road conditions, traffic and more)
- County emergency management agency contact information
Warning
The highest level of local travel advisory means that travel may be restricted to emergency management workers only. During a "warning" local travel advisory, individuals are directed to:
- Refrain from all travel;
- Comply with necessary emergency measures;
- Cooperate with public officials and disaster services forces in executing emergency operations plans; and
- Obey and comply with the lawful directions of properly identified officers.
Additional exceptions to the warning travel advisory are found in Indiana Code 10-14-3-29.
Watch
Means that conditions are threatening to the safety of the public. During a "watch" local travel advisory, only essential travel, such as to and from work or in emergency situations, is recommended, and emergency action plans should be implemented by businesses, schools, government agencies and other organizations.
Advisory
The lowest level of local travel advisory, means that routine travel or activities may be restricted in areas because of a hazardous situation, and individuals should use caution or avoid these areas.
Information for all of Indiana's counties can be found on this Indiana Department of Homeland Security webpage.
Preparedness
The first step of preparedness is to learn the threats and hazards you may encounter and then learn what you can do to prepare for them. Visit the Indiana Department of Homeland Security's Get Prepared website to learn more. https://www.in.gov/dhs/get-prepared/
Our county becomes better prepared and more resilient when we all do our part to be ready.
Preparing for the unexpected doesn't have to be hard. Keep it simple. Focus on the basics:
- Be Informed
- Make a Plan
- Build a Kit
- Get Involved
Open Burning
Open burning is the burning of materials in a manner that releases smoke and other emissions directly into the air without passing through a chimney or smokestack from an enclosed chamber. Pollution from open burning is a serious concern because it can harm human health and the environment. Learn the rules of open burning and be sure to check for area burn bans beforehand.
For full information on open burning, please visit the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM)'s Open Burning in Indiana page. IDEM is the state agency that enforces Indiana's open burning rules and works with locals on open-burning education and complaint resolution.
Quick Rules
- Open burning is not allowed at mobile home parks, apartments, condominium complexes or buildings of more than four dwelling units.
- Fires must be extinguished if they create a fire hazard, nuisance, pollution problem or threat to public health.
- Burning must comply with all other federal, state and local laws, rules or ordinances. For example, some counties may not allow open burning of leaves or yard waste.
- Only vegetation can be burned for agricultural maintenance purposes.
- Businesses are not allowed to open burn business waste.
Fireworks Safety
Fireworks can brighten celebrations, and proper fireworks use can protect you and others from injury to help keep the festivities going longer. Whether you plan to purchase fireworks, use them or observe a display, remember the following.
Quick Tips
- If you do not have a permit, buy only consumer-grade fireworks (1.4g fireworks).
- Check your local ordinances for fireworks hours restrictions.
- Only use fireworks at locations where you have approval to set them off.
- Always have a supply of water or a fire extinguisher available to put out fireworks. Douse spent fireworks with water before throwing them away.
- Do not hold lit fireworks in your hands.
Training Events -
building a safe, secure, and resilient Harrison County.
Sign Up for Emergency Notifications from Harrison County EMA
We are excited to announce that Harrison County EMA is launching an Emergency Mass Notification Alert System for all who reside in Harrison County. This is an excellent tool for emergency notifications of all types and best of all, YOU choose which notifications you would like to receive. We are encouraging all Harrison County residents, business owners, and local organizations to take advantage of this FREE service provided by the County.
Please click on the graphic to SIGN UP for emergency notifications. If you need more information or assistance with the signup process, please feel free to stop by the EMA Office located at 245 Atwood St., Suite #217 in Corydon, or give us a call at (812) 738-8949 and we will be happy to assist you. Be sure to spread the word to family and friends!