Volunteers needed to help Indiana flood victims

[October 15, 2008]  WASHINGTON -- Federal and state disaster recovery officials said Saturday that the United Way Regional Volunteer Center of Northwest Indiana is in dire need of volunteers to help flood victims in Lake, LaPorte and Porter counties.

United Way officials encourage people to volunteer on their own or organize a team of friends, neighbors, co-workers, church members or others. The area of greatest need is in Gary and Munster, Ind.

People are needed to help flood victims in a variety of ways: to pull up carpeting, to remove and clear out drywall or paneling, and to clean and sanitize flood-damaged homes. Those who are able can help to lift heavy furniture, refrigerators and stoves.

Anyone who can give some time and energy to assist their northwest Indiana neighbors with restoring their homes to clean, livable, sanitary and safe conditions is welcome. Just call the United Way Regional Volunteer Center of Northwest Indiana, in Munster at 1-219-836-5390 and in Portage at 1-219-763-3292.

(More information on Indiana severe storms and flooding)

The Federal Emergency Management Agency coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.

[Text from FEMA news release received from Terry Storer, Logan County Emergency Management Agency]