The City of Charlestown, Indiana was recently in a State of Emergency due to widespread damage resulting from a windstorm which occurred on Sunday, September 14th, 2008.  The following information is being released and updated as necessary by City Hall officials, for Charlestown residents and the media.

09/30/08:

Charlestown Citizen Comments After the Storm:

How well do you think the City of Charlestown has taken care of its citizens after the Wind Storm?  This question was posed to Charlestown residents as they awaited distribution of groceries on Saturday morning at the Jonathan Jennings Elementary School parking lot. The long line of patiently waiting families and neighbors was estimated at 200 people when the 10:00 a.m. start time arrived.  [ more ] 

The information on this page is being updated constantly, for additional questions contact City Hall at 812-256-3422, 812-256-7126, or 812-256-2427.  DIAL 911 for all emergencies.

The state of Emergency has ended, thanks to all businesses, organizations and neighbors who came to the assistance and aid of our community.

CURRENT STATUS: 

- Utility Power has been restored to 100% of the City of Charlestown (updated 09/28/08).

- Nearly 90% of property owners in the City of Charlestown have experienced some form of storm damage.

- Greater Clark County Schools are back in session as of Monday, September 22, 2008.

- Power, Phone & Cable Utilities are repairing damage to their lines, poles and related equipment.

- City crews remain in the progress of picking up piled storm debris along roadway property lines (see Streets/Sanitation below).

● Public Safety: 

The City of Charlestown had additional police officers on-duty and patrolling during this State of Emergency for purposes of providing additional assistance and security.

 Curfew:  

(Dismissed)

Down Lines/Poles:  

For the safety and security of everyone in Charlestown, it is extremely important to stay away from down utility lines, whether is it believed to be electrical or not.  Several telephone and cable wires are touching electrical power lines and are equally hazardous.

Street Closures:  

Some City Streets have been closed due to storm damage (down trees, utility lines/poles), using orange cones and yellow or red tape.  For safety and security reasons, do not cross into barricaded areas (whether by foot or by vehicle) and be vigilant of children in the same areas.

The following street segments are closed due to storm damage:

(UPDATE:  ALL CITY STREETS HAVE BEEN RE-OPENED).

Burning of Debris:  

Residents are asked not to burn any debris, including trees and roofing materials.  The burning of debris is illegal and a safety concern for the entire community.

● City Utilities:

The City of Charlestown has not experienced an interruption in water utility service.

Water:  

  There are no immediate concerns for water supply or quality to customers of the City of Charlestown.  No boil water advisories are anticipated.  Residents are however asked to conserve water usage during this time due to the impact on wastewater systems.

Electricity:  

Electric utility companies are in the process of restoring electricity.  Areas without electrical power at this time should plan to be without power for the next two to three days. 

(Duke Energy can be contacted at 1-800-343-3525 for additional information). 

PLEASE STAY AWAY FROM ALL DOWN UTILITY LINES AND POLES.

Streets & Sanitation:  

- Some City Streets are closed due to storm damage (down trees, utility lines/poles), using orange cones and yellow or red tape.  For safety and security reasons, do not cross into barricaded areas (whether by foot or by vehicle) and be vigilant of children in the same areas.

- Sanitation routes are returning to normal and are being collected on a daily basis.

- Storm tree and brush debris should be separated from other wood, plastic & metals debris and piled as close to your roadway property line as possible, without placing them into the street - obstructing vehicle traffic.  Five city crews are working sunrise to sunset collecting piles of storm debris along streets and roadways, beginning east of Market Street working north - then south and then west along the west side of Market Street. Special thanks to Dept. of Corrections for extra assistance.

- Citizens able and preferring to remove tree and brush storm debris from their property can transport it to Earth First, on State Road 403 near Sellersburg.

● Health & Safety: 

The majority of the City of Charlestown has experienced a power outage in excess of twenty four (24) hours as well as numerous types and degrees in severity of property damage.  The following information should be kept in mind for purposes of general health and safety. 

 Assistance Centers:  

In order to ensure that citizens of Charlestown, especially those with heat-related health needs, have adequate food, bathroom, and daytime shelter; Greater Clark County Schools (in cooperation with the City of Charlestown) will have the following school open as follows:

The Jonathan Jennings Elementary School Assistance Center has been closed due to lack of demand.  Thanks to all who assisted.

Open Assistance Center Information

• Restroom facilities available.  Shower facilities will not be available.

• There will be no daycare programs at either location.

• Children should be accompanied by parent/guardian.

• Use is restricted to those in need of the assistance provided due to the State of Emergency.

 Neighbors:  

The City requests that all citizens take a moment each day during this situation to check in on neighbors, friends and relatives; especially the elderly, persons with medical conditions, a lack of transportation, and single parents.  A community wide effort in helping take care of each other and surrounding neighbors is extremely important to quick restoration.

Power Related Medical Concerns:  

Power related medical complications should be brought to the attention of any first responder (police, fire, & EMS) for assistance and intervention.  Examples may be breathing treatment use, oxygen use, or any medical device requiring electricity.

 Spoiled Foods:  

- All citizens are cautioned against consuming foods which require refrigeration or freezing and have thawed or loss refrigeration temperature.  IF UNSURE, ALWAYS  BE SAFE AND DO NOT CONSUME.

- Most areas of Charlestown have experience a power outage this week of a period of time longer than 24 hours, spoiled food can be discarded at the following drop-off sites within Charlestown.  Dumpsters had been available at the following drop-off locations and are strictly for spoiled food and not storm debris or other refuse.  CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Church Street City Park / Old-Jay C Food Store Parking Lot / Jonathan Jennings School side Parking Lot / & the North Clark Outreach Center (Harrison Street).

● School & School Events: 

Greater Clark County Schools, located in Charlestown, have been closed due to storm damage and power outages issues county-wide.  School has resumed as of Monday, September 22, 2008.

 Closings & Cancellations:  

Greater Clark County School Corporation Closing and Cancellations are being announced via public media (TV & Radio WHAS 840 AM) as well as via the school corporation's website at http://www.gcs.k12.in.us.

● Miscellaneous Links:

 Internet Links of Interest:  

- Clark County Indiana Emergency Management

- Indiana Department of Homeland Security

- Ready America

- American Red Cross

- FEMA

- Help After a Disaster (FEMA)

CLICK HERE TO VIEW STORM DAMAGE PHOTOS

This page was last updated at 12/24/2008 12:51 PM