(Statewide) – With severe winter weather in the forecast this weekend, Governor Mike Braun is reiterating Indiana’s preparedness for severe snow and ice.
The Governor’s Office says Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT), Indiana State Police (ISP), Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) Indiana National Guard, and Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) are ready to respond and assist Hoosiers during severe winter weather.
“Indiana’s first responders and state agencies are prepared to keep Hoosiers safe during severe winter weather. I encourage all Hoosiers to monitor the forecasts for your area, take the necessary precautions to stay safe, and plan travel accordingly. Indiana State Police, National Guard, Indiana Homeland Security, DNR and INDOT crews stand ready to assist,” Gov. Braun said.
The Governor is temporarily waiving hours-of-service regulations for motor carriers and drivers transporting propane gas in Indiana, effective Saturday. Staffers say this ensures Hoosiers have access to critical heating fuel during a period of severe winter weather. Additionally, hours of service restrictions for poultry and livestock transportation are temporarily lifted.
The Indiana National Guard is on state active duty to support inclement weather.
INDOT has prepared for winter operations by hiring seasonal snowplow drivers, completing training with current staff, inspecting trucks and other equipment, and securing materials, such as salt. Operations crews monitor forecasts several weeks in advance and prepare for winter storms based on the type of expected precipitation, conditions leading up to an event, and extended forecasts. If conditions allow, roads are pre-treated with salt brine and are regularly treated with rock salt.
Governor Braun previously shared details of Indiana’s Winter Weather Preparedness last year: https://events.in.gov/
Winter Safety Tips
INDOT, ISP and IDHS recommend the following precautions:
- Slow down and adjust your speed to road conditions, especially on snow covered roads.
- Know before you go – check conditions and forecasts before you hit the road; allow plenty of time to reach your destination safely.
- Don’t crowd the plow – never tailgate or drive beside a snowplow.
- Leave extra space between your vehicle and the one in front of you; it takes extra time and distance to stop or slow down on snowy roads.
- Prepare an emergency kit with snacks, water, a phone charger, sand or cat litter, flares or bright LED alternatives, a flashlight, and blankets or extra clothing.
- Keep vehicles maintained – Keep your vehicle full of gas and check your battery, fluids and spare tire.
- Clear all snow and ice from your vehicle’ s windows, lights, and signals.
Stay Informed
For real-time travel information about road conditions and plow locations, visit 511in.org or download the INDOT TrafficWise app .
For a map of travel advisories by county, visit the Indiana Department of Homeland Security’s Travel Advisory Map.
For weather advisories, watches and warnings, visit the National Weather Service’s Indiana Briefing page .
For real time updates on warming shelters, call 2-1-1.
