Roofs are ripped off and trees are uprooted around Whiteland in path destruction left by the EF-2 tornado that struck late Friday.
Submitted photo by Devon FosterWhiteland officials on Monday issued a disaster declaration and set a curfew.
Whiteland Town Council President Joseph Sayler declared a Local Disaster Emergency for all of incorporated Whiteland in response to the widespread devastation caused by the tornados late Friday. Under IC 1-14-3-29, this declaration activates all local and inter-jurisdictional emergency plans and authorizes all aid and assistance available under such plans. The purpose of this declaration is to enable all aid and assistance available to the citizens of Whiteland and its local government, town officials said in a statement.
In response to reports of theft and trespassing, Saylor has issued a Nighttime Travel Restriction, or curfew, beginning Monday from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. for non-essential and non-emergency travel. This order is at the request of Police Chief Rick Shipp and Fire Chief Eric Funkhouser and is to prevent nighttime trespass, theft or property damage to unoccupied and storm-damaged homes, officials said.
“Nighttime incursions by unauthorized individuals have already resulted in damage to the property of citizens. This has placed a huge strain upon law enforcement, fire and EMS resources causing delays in response to other numerous emergencies resulting from the tornados,” the statement says.
The order exempts travel for work, school, religious activities, the media, medical care, people fleeing emergencies, the homeless, emergency responders, law enforcement and those working on public utilities or governmental tasks. Willful violations can be enforced by civil violation by the town, as well as any criminal penalties that accompany trespass, theft, conversion or any violation of the Indiana Criminal Code, town officials said.
“The town is taking this step solely to preserve its citizens from further harm and has tried to limit this order to infringe upon travel in the least restrictive way possible,” the statement says.
The order is in effect until April 9, unless rescinded before that. Sayler intends to rescind this order as soon as practically possible based on the security of the citizens and the availability of law enforcement resources, the statement says.
Town officials have also established a helpline for residents who need help or want to help people impacted by the storm. For the helpline, people can call or text 317-671-6521 or email [email protected].
