Gov. Braun launches task force focused on Indiana’s emergency alert systems

INDIANAPOLIS — A task force has been launched by Indiana Gov. Mike Braun to evaluate and strengthen the state of Indiana’s emergency alert systems when it comes to extreme weather.

This comes after more than 130 people died in the Texas Hill Country after a July 4 storm caused a significant amount of flooding. According to previous reports, a significant number of people remain unaccounted for in the region.

According to a news release from Braun’s office, this task force, led by the Indiana Department of Homeland Security and Integrated Public Safety Commission, is expected to evaluate the current alert and warning systems in the state of Indiana.

The task force will help identify opportunities to enhance the state’s alert and warning systems or work to provide additional warning systems, the release said. Officials said that input from multiple entities will be sought, including input from:

• Municipal and county officials
• Fire departments and law enforcement
• Advisors from the Indiana Geographic Information Office
• Advisors from the National Weather Service
• Cell phone network carriers.

“Following the tragic loss of life from flooding in Texas, we’re taking proactive action to make sure our emergency alert systems are up-to-date, fully functional and that we’re making any enhancements possible to better protect Hoosiers from extreme weather,” Braun said in the release.

The release said that the task force is expected to provide Braun with its evaluation of the state’s system, along with recommendations to improve emergency alerting protocols, systems and technology, by Nov. 1.