Wayne County Emergency Communications

08/30/2026

On Friday, we celebrated Pam as she prepares to retire after nearly 27 years of service! 🎉

We are so thankful for the many years Pam has dedicated to our center and the service she has provided to our community. She has been a part of so many memories over the years, and she will certainly be missed.

Congratulations, Pam! We wish you all the best in retirement and hope you enjoy every minute of this next chapter! ❤💛

08/28/2026

Thank you, Indie, for 18 years of service to our community!

08/24/2026

Help us congratulate Anita on 17 years of service today!

08/21/2026

Today we’re celebrating a pretty big milestone for our Director of 911 and Emergency Management: 25 years of service.

And if there was ever a week to prove just how much he has given to Wayne County, this was it.

After one of the most exhausting weeks we’ve had, working through a natural disaster, long days, late nights, and everything that comes with disaster response and recovery, he somehow managed to hit the 25-year mark right in the middle of it all.

Twenty-five years in public safety is no small accomplishment, especially when you’re still right there in the middle of the work when things get tough.

Happy 25th work anniversary! I’m pretty sure this week should count as at least two years. 😂

08/19/2026

These numbers only tell only part of the story.

During the historic flooding that started on August 12th, our dispatchers at Wayne County 911 worked through an extraordinary surge in emergency communications. In just 24 hours, they handled 459 911 calls, 599 administrative calls received, 341 outgoing calls, and 574 calls for service entered into CAD, including 81 water rescues.

But behind every one of those numbers was a dispatcher answering a phone, gathering critical information, coordinating resources, and helping keep both the public and our responders safe.

And on the other end of those radios were the firefighters, law enforcement officers, EMS personnel, water rescue teams, highway crews, emergency management personnel, and other first responders who went out into dangerous conditions to help their neighbors.

Many worked long hours under extremely challenging circumstances. They adapted as conditions changed, supported one another, and continued answering calls for help throughout an event our community will not soon forget.

We are incredibly proud of the dedication, professionalism, and teamwork shown by our dispatchers, first responders, and partner agencies.

To everyone who answered the phone, keyed the radio, climbed into a rescue boat, responded to a flooded roadway, checked on a neighbor, or helped keep our communities safe, thank you!

08/15/2026

COMMUNITY DONATION UPDATE

The response from our surrounding communities and county has been incredible. We are extremely grateful for the overwhelming support, generosity, and donations being provided to those impacted by the flooding in western Wayne County.

At this time, the donation center has received more donations than anticipated and is working to inventory and organize the supplies already received.

We are asking the public to temporarily pause additional donations while this process is completed.

Once the current inventory is assessed, specific needs will be communicated so those wishing to help can provide the items most needed by impacted residents.

Thank you for continuing to support Wayne County and our communities during the recovery process. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.

08/15/2026

Sydney celebrated her 3 year work anniversary yesterday!

08/14/2026

Date: 8-14-2026
Time: 8:30 AM
Subject: Wayne County Flooding Update #4

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wayne County continues to transition from emergency response into damage assessment and recovery operations following the historic flooding that impacted western Wayne County.

There is some good news this morning. Overnight rainfall was limited, major roadways are reopening, and floodwaters continue to recede. However, hazards remain throughout impacted areas.

OVERNIGHT UPDATE

Wayne County EMA’s rain gauge recorded approximately 0.11 inches of rain overnight. This is an unofficial measurement, but the limited rainfall is welcome news for areas already saturated from this week’s flooding.

Emergency responders conducted one water rescue overnight.

ROAD UPDATES

I-70 westbound has reopened.
State Road 38 in Hagerstown has reopened.
Motorists should continue using caution. County highway crews continue assessing roads, culverts, bridges, and other infrastructure for flood-related damage.

LEVEL 2 TRAVEL WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT

Wayne County remains under a Level 2 Travel Watch.
A Level II Travel Watch means only essential travel is permitted on county roads. This declaration does not apply to state or federal highways.

Please continue to obey all barricades and road-closed signs. A roadway may appear safe while having significant damage underneath the pavement.

DAMAGE ASSESSMENTS BEGIN TODAY

Today’s priority is to begin assessing flood damage throughout the affected areas and determining how many homes, businesses, roads, and other properties were impacted.
Wayne County EMA and our partners will use this information to develop a clearer picture of the extent of the disaster and assist with the recovery process.

Additional information will be provided to residents and business owners regarding how to report flood damage.

We will be publishing more information later today about safety and cleanup procedures for homeowners and businesses when the community is allowed to return into the flooded areas. Safety is a real concern.

DONATIONS FOR FLOOD VICTIMS

Donations are being accepted to assist flood victims in western

Wayne County.
📍 Cambridge City Christian Church
106 W Church St
Cambridge City, IN 47327

Donations may include food, water, cleaning supplies, clothing, furniture, and other items needed by those impacted by the flooding.

We appreciate the tremendous support being shown to our neighbors affected by this week’s flooding.

CAMBRIDGE CITY & MILTON – WATER & BOIL ADVISORY

The communities of Cambridge City and Milton remain under a boil advisory.

The Town Utility Department continues working diligently to address the water system. Residents are asked to continue conserving water while utility crews work to restore and stabilize the system.

Residents should continue following the boil advisory until officials announce that it has been lifted.

THANK YOU TO FIRST RESPONDERS AND OUR COMMUNICATION DISPATCHERS

Wayne County extends its deepest gratitude to the local and state first responders who have worked countless hours throughout this emergency. Their efforts have included rescuing individuals trapped in floodwaters, blocking dangerous roadways, establishing shelters, and responding to the ongoing needs of our community. Their dedication and professionalism during this event have been extraordinary, and we are sincerely thankful for their service.

RECOVERY IS BEGINNING, BUT PLEASE REMAIN CAUTIOUS

Floodwater, damaged roads, unstable structures, downed utilities, contaminated standing water, and other hazards may remain even after the water recedes.

Continue following instructions from Wayne County EMA and local public safety officials, and never drive around a barricade.

Turn Around, Don’t Drown.

08/13/2026

See below for where to drop off donations and what’s needed.

Thank you to everyone helping support our community. Please share and help spread the word.

DONATIONS ARE BEING ACCEPTED FOR FLOOD VICTIMS OF WESTERN WAYNE COUNTY IN INDIANA.

LOCATION: Central United Methodist Church 1425 East Main Street, Richmond, IN

TELEPHONE: 765-962-8543

INSTRUCTIONS: Drop off will be west side of church
Hours ACCEPTING DONATIONS: THURSDAY 9am - 3pm & FRIDAY 9-3pm

08/13/2026

Date: 8-13-2026
Time: 9:00 AM
Subject: Wayne County Flooding Update #3

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wayne County continues response operations following historic flooding across the county. While floodwaters are beginning to recede in some areas, significant hazards remain, and additional rainfall is expected later today.

OVERNIGHT WATER RESCUES

Emergency responders conducted 12 water rescues overnight. Residents are reminded to stay away from flooded areas and never drive through standing or moving water.

I-70 WESTBOUND CLOSURE

I-70 westbound is closed just east of Centerville Road near the 146-mile marker due to flooding and damage to the roadway. Motorists should avoid the area and follow official detours.

WHEN CAN I RETURN HOME?

We understand residents are anxious to return to their homes. As floodwaters recede, emergency officials will enter impacted areas to assess damage and determine when it is safe for residents to return.

Duke Energy has shut off electrical service in some flooded areas for safety, and natural gas service has also been shut off in impacted areas. Residents should not enter damaged or flooded structures until officials determine conditions are safe.

DAMAGE ASSESSMENT

Wayne County EMA will be working with our state partners at the Indiana Department of Homeland Security to begin damage assessments. Additional information will be provided to residents and business owners regarding how to report flood-related damage. Please follow Wayne County EMA page for updates related to Damage Assessment and Recovery.

LEVEL 3 TRAVEL EMERGENCY – WARNING

Wayne County remains under a Level 3 Travel Emergency (Warning) until 12:00 PM today. County officials will reassess conditions at that time and determine whether the travel status should remain in place or be lowered.

Residents should continue to refrain from travel while the Warning remains in effect.

COUNTY ROAD ASSESSMENTS

Wayne County Highway Superintendent Mike Sharp and Wayne County Highway Department crews will be assessing county roads for flood damage.

Of particular concern are culverts and areas beneath roadways that may have washed out during the flooding. A road may appear safe from the surface while being structurally compromised underneath and could collapse under the weight of a vehicle.

CAMBRIDGE CITY BOIL ORDER

The Boil Water Order remains in effect for Cambridge City. Residents should continue following all instructions from local officials regarding drinking and household water.

RED CROSS SHELTER

Overnight, 15 people stayed at the American Red Cross shelter at the Wayne County Fairgrounds.

STATE AND LOCAL RESPONSE CONTINUES

The Indiana State Police, Indiana Conservation Officers, Indiana Department of Transportation, American Red Cross, and numerous other state, local, and volunteer organizations remain on site and actively supporting ongoing response operations in Wayne County, Cambridge City, Hagerstown, and other impacted communities.

These agencies continue assisting local responders with water rescue operations, road closures, sheltering, public safety, and other immediate needs resulting from the flooding.

🌧️ ADDITIONAL HEAVY RAIN POSSIBLE

Additional rainfall is forecast for Wayne County this afternoon and evening and continuing into Friday morning, with up to 2 inches of additional rain possible.

Even as current floodwaters recede today, additional rainfall could cause water levels to rise again. The ground throughout the affected area is extremely saturated, meaning any additional heavy rainfall could quickly result in renewed flooding, standing water, and additional road hazards.

Residents should remain weather aware throughout today and overnight into Friday and be prepared for conditions to change quickly.

⚠️ KEEP CHILDREN AND PETS OUT OF FLOODWATER

Standing floodwater is not safe for swimming or playing. Floodwater may contain sewage, chemicals, debris, sharp objects, or other contaminants and hazards. Keep children and pets away from all standing or moving floodwater.

Conditions will continue to change throughout the day. Please monitor official information from the Wayne County Emergency Management Agency and local public safety agencies.