Hamilton County residents forced from their homes by this week’s flooding now have a place to turn for help.
Hamilton County Emergency Operations, in partnership with the American Red Cross, opened an Emergency Evacuation Reception Center Saturday at the Hamilton County 4-H Fairgrounds in Noblesville. The center, located in Expo Hall A at the fairgrounds, 2003 Pleasant St., is open to anyone displaced by flooding.
Red Cross personnel and support staff are on site to assist residents and connect them with available resources, including emergency lodging, food and water.
“With floodwaters continuing to impact homes and neighborhoods across Hamilton County, we want residents to know there is a place to go if they need help,” said Chad Knecht, executive director of Hamilton County Emergency Operations. “If you have been displaced or need assistance because of the flooding, please come to the reception center so we can help connect you with the resources you need.”
The reception center opens as the county grapples with some of the worst flooding it has seen in years. County commissioners declared a state of emergency Friday after days of heavy rain closed more than 30 roads and pushed the White River toward a crest of nearly 20 feet, expected early Saturday morning. Communities in the northern part of the county, including Atlanta, Arcadia and Jackson Township, were hit especially hard — the Jackson Township Fire Department building took on floodwater, and a wastewater substation in Atlanta was knocked offline.
Officials also issued a Travel Watch for the county, meaning residents should limit driving to essential trips only. Major closures have included State Road 37 north of State Road 32 in Noblesville and State Road 19 between Logan Street and Field Drive.
Hamilton County remains under a state of emergency. Officials continue to urge residents to avoid flooded areas and to never drive around barricades or through flooded roadways. Even shallow moving water can sweep a vehicle off the road, and floodwater often hides washed-out pavement and debris.
The City of Fishers issued a statement that Citizens Water has said the water quality in Fishers is good and no boiling of water is needed. There are water pressure issues in parts of Fishers but Citizens tells the city that should be improving soon.
Residents who have been displaced or need flood-related assistance are encouraged to come to the reception center at the fairgrounds, where Red Cross staff can connect them with emergency lodging and other resources.