Floyd County likely will remain under a state of emergency today, according to Emergency Management Agency Director Terry Herthel.

Progress was made Tuesday, but some roads and streets are still blocked by debris and have fallen electric lines across them, Herthel said.

He said many residents remain without power, primarily in the Georgetown and Floyds Knobs areas, with Harrison County REMC still reporting nearly 10,000 customers without service.

Harrison County REMC’s Web site states outages could last into the weekend.

An influx of 500 Duke Energy workers from North and South Carolina helped its customers regain power Tuesday, though some areas of New Albany remain without electricity.

“We’ve got a lot more electric going now,” Herthel said.

Indiana American Water Co. is asking users to conserve water, with electric problems causing shortages as of press time. However, a company spokeswoman said rumors of the company shutting off water were false.

The Indiana Department of Homeland Security was working Tuesday on supplying generators for use at water facilities.

Herthel advises residents to continue to use caution and not to cross streets with downed electric lines. He also asks that residents call EMA to report structure damage to residential buildings.

This would not include commercial buildings or barns.

The compiling of the damage information could help qualify Floyd County for federal funding and assistance.

The EMA phone number is 812-948-5454.

Congressman Baron Hill is asking constituents with special needs to call his Jeffersonville office for assistance at 812-288-3999.

“I know there are many Hoosiers still without power and water,” Hill stated in a news release. “I will continue to work with the governor’s office to ensure residents receive the emergency services that are needed.”

Street status improving

New Albany Street Department Commissioner Mickey Thompson said crews have been working extra hours to clear streets. Board of Public Works and Safety President Matt Denison said every street that could be reopened has been.

The remaining street closures — which as of Tuesday totaled more than 10 — cannot be reopened until electric crews clear tangled lines from the debris left on the roads following Sunday’s hurricane-force winds.

To help clear streets, alleys and sidewalks of debris, the city has hired two local contractors to assist with the “massive amount of debris” Denison said.

Health concerns

Dr. Tom Harris, health officer for the county, recommends people working in cleanup areas make sure they are up to date with their tetanus immunizations.

For people who receive a serious wound, a Tetanus booster is appropriate if they have not received an immunization within the last five years, Harris said.

The Floyd County Health Department will have a special Tetanus clinic starting Monday and running through Sept. 26, with immunizations costing $5.

The department also is inspecting all food establishments to make sure proper procedures for handling time, temperature and quality assurance are being followed during the power outage.

Yard waste drop-offs

Drop-off points for county residents who have gathered tree limbs and other vegetation have been established at Letty Walter Park on St. Mary’s Road in Floyds Knobs, the intersection of U.S. 150 and Navilleton Road in Galena and the Floyd County Highway Garage on Old Georgetown Road in Edwardsville.

New Albany residents can drop off yard waste at the old Farmers Market location at the corner of Scribner Drive and Oak Street.

Mayor Doug England said the New Albany location will remain open as long as the need exists.

“We encourage citizens to help the city’s street department by delivering debris from their property to our emergency location,” England stated in a news release. “This helps keep our forces on the streets, delivering services for the people of New Albany.”