Scott County adopts emergency declaration after storms; residents urged to call 211 for damage reports

Scott County commissioners voted July 1 to adopt an emergency declaration after recent storms, a step the county’s emergency management team said could unlock state funding and support damage-assessment work.

Will, a representative from Scott County Emergency Management (EMA), told the board the declaration “is for the emergency declaration” and urged residents who experienced damage to “call 211 and report their damages” so the county can accumulate reports that may lead to assistance. Will also said the county has opened a temporary cooling center in Scottsburg, stocked with cold water and staffed to provide short-term relief during an extreme heat wave.

The declaration was presented to the commissioners during the meeting and, after a motion and second, the board voted in favor of adopting it. Chair noted appreciation for EMA staff and asked whether the declaration paperwork should be left with the county clerk; staff and commissioners confirmed arrangements for signatures and record-keeping.

The declaration’s immediate effect is to formalize damage-assessment activities and encourage residents to register losses with 211, county officials said. Commissioners and EMA staff said the 211 reporting process will help compile counts that could support future aid or grants. The declaration also allows county staff to track needs and coordinate short-term response such as the cooling center located on the southeast corner of The Square in Scottsburg.

The board adopted the declaration by voice vote; no roll-call tally was recorded in the meeting transcript. Next steps include finalizing paperwork and ensuring residents are aware of the reporting option.