Howard County- Howard County Emergency Management and the Red Cross have set up a shelter for tornado victims at the Kokomo Event Center on 1500 North Reed Road, Kokomo, IN. As of this morning, there are approximately 140 people still at the shelter. People have been leaving the shelter at a steady pace. They are either finding alternative places to stay or have returned home as power has been restored.
Those wishing to aid in the recovery process should register by calling 211 or online at unitedwayhoco.org. Donations can be dropped off at the Howard County United Way building on 201 West Walnut Street in Kokomo. Donations can also be taken to the Excel Center on 101 North Superior Street, Kokomo.
As the ongoing assessment continues, the injury count has remained steady at 15 to 20 people with minor injuries. Most of the injuries were the result of flying debris. There are no reported deaths.
There are approximately 1,002 residential structures damaged. 81 of those structures are considered destroyed and 173 have suffered major damage. The largest concentration of damage is in the area of 931 south of State Road 22, in Kokomo.
According to Duke Energy, there are approximately 5,755 homes and businesses without power.
The Temporary State of Emergency, which was issued Wednesday night, by the Howard County Board of Commissioners and Kokomo Mayor Greg Goodnight, has expired. The curious and those who would like to “gawk” are asked to stay away from areas where damage has occurred. Their presence could slow down the recovery process.
Officers from the Howard County Sheriff’s Department’s, the Kokomo Police Department, and the Indiana State Police offer the following reminder:
• Be prepared to show police officers your identification when returning to damaged neighborhoods. This is so officers can verify who belongs in the area. Also volunteers should verify that they have registered to help with 211 or on line at unitedwayhoco.org.
• Follow the directions of emergency personnel whom you might encounter.
• Be aware of potential scammers. Carefully vet anyone who offers to repair storm damage.
• Officers will have zero tolerance for anyone who loots the property of others during this emergency. All looters will be arrested. As of this morning, there have been no reports of any looting.
There are numerous emergency and service organizations, in Howard County and Kokomo, assisting with this emergency.
The Indiana State Police is providing 24 hour support. Officers are working 12 hour shifts augmenting the Howard County Sheriff’s Department and the Kokomo Police Department. There are approximately 25 troopers assigned per shift. Some of the Indiana State Police officers have been deployed from state police posts in Ft. Wayne, Indianapolis, Bremen, Putnamville, Lowell, and Lafayette. Howard County is in the Peru State Police District.
A photo is attached showing damaged homes in Kokomo's Cedar Crest subdivision.
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