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There are no current Advisories...
November 10, 2008 - History
In February of 2007 severe winter weather conditions struck a majority of our state. The news media was advising the public of the various county level travel advisories and snow emergencies. There was a considerable amount of confusion regarding the various travel and snow emergencies due to differing terms used in each county. After the winter storm, the media requested Homeland Security to address these issues and after considerable input and feedback from EMA directors the travel advisory map was created. Levels The travel advisory levels reflected here are in no way are associated with a disaster declaration signed by county commissioners and filed with the clerk’s office as outlined in Indiana Code Title 10. These travel advisory levels are strictly associated with travel. These levels can be used at anytime to advise the public of necessary travel advisory restrictions regardless of circumstance. There are four travel advisory levels. Each county remains at the stating level of caution unless changed by EMA. The terminology used on the IDHS website for each level is listed below.
A condition may develop that limits or hinders travel activities in isolated areas. No travel restrictions have been reported but citizens should be alert to changing conditions.
Routine travel or activities may be restricted in areas because of a hazardous situation; citizens should use caution or avoid these areas. Schools and businesses may begin to implement their emergency action plans.
Conditions are threatening to the safety of the public. Only essential travel is recommended (i.e. to and from work, emergency situation, etc.). Emergency action plans have been or should be implemented by businesses, schools, government agencies and other organizations.
A state of emergency has been declared. Travel may be restricted to emergency personnel ONLY! Further restrictors may be included.
These travel advisory levels are intended to help the public and media understand when we want to restrict travel to better protect the public which allows local government to better address the problems at hand. This solution has been beneficial during floods, blizzards and other emergencies. Please let us know if you have any questions, and as always, we welcome your feedback.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who has the authority to change my county travel advisory level?
a. Emergency management has the ability to change the level. Some counties require the county commissioners to authorize the change, while others have the sole authority to change the status. If you are not sure, please consult with your county commissioners.
2. How does this apply to my county ordinances?
a. Some counties have ordinances stating how travel restrictions shall be implemented. We recommend you follow the procedures associated with your county ordinances and use the travel advisory levels to communicate your desired status.
3. What if our county has different levels from the state is using?
a. Many counties have different levels and/or snow emergency levels. To ensure consistency across the state, please choose the travel advisory level that best applies to your county terminology.
4. What is the difference between a Level 1 – Emergency and a disaster declaration?
a. A travel emergency, or limiting travel to only public safety personnel, may be necessary during non-disaster related emergencies. A disaster declaration is a document signed by county commissioners and filed with your county clerk’s office.
An example would be the large commercial fire in Shelbyville a few years ago. There was no benefit to declaring a disaster as the incident was isolated to only the insulation factory; however, several roads were closed and a large number of responders were heading to the scene. It may have been helpful to issue a Level 1 – Emergency to limit travel to only emergency personnel or emergency situations.
5. Who enforces these levels?
a. Please keep in mind the information presented to the public from the Indiana Department of Homeland Security is only an advisory and is not associated with any state laws. County ordinances may have penalties associated with them and we suggest you consult with your county commissioners, county attorney and/or county law enforcement to determine the requirements of local ordinances.
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