(A) This section shall be known as the “Howard County all hazards travel section” and shall apply to all roads maintained by the Howard County Highway Department within the unincorporated areas of Howard County.
(B) Pursuant to I.C. 10-14-3-29.5(a), Howard County hereby adopts the following three uniform categories of travel advisories:
(1) “Advisory,” the lowest level of local travel advisory, means that routine travel or activities may be restricted in areas because of a hazardous situation, and individuals should use caution or avoid those areas.
(2) “Watch” means that conditions are threatening to the safety of the public. During a “watch” local travel advisory, only essential travel, such as to and from work or in emergency situations, is recommended, and emergency action plans should be implemented by businesses, schools, government agencies, and other organizations.
(3) “Warning,” the highest level of local travel advisory, means that travel may be restricted to emergency management workers only.
(a) During a “warning” local travel advisory, individuals are directed to:
1. Refrain from all travel;
2. Comply with necessary emergency measures;
3. Cooperate with public officials and disaster services forces in executing emergency operations plans; and
4. Obey and comply with the lawful directions of properly identified officers.
(b) Further and more specific restrictions, including parking restrictions, may be included in a “warning” local travel advisory.
(C) Before issuing a local travel advisory, to the extent reasonably possible under existing conditions, the Commissioners shall consult with any one or more of the following county officials or their representatives: the Howard County Sheriff, the Howard County Highway Superintendent and/or the Howard County Emergency Management Director.
(D) If the Commissioners determine that a local travel advisory should be issued as part of an emergency declaration under I.C. 10-14-3-29, they shall designate such travel advisory as falling into one of the three categories specified in division (B) above.
(E) If the Commissioners or the Howard County Emergency Management Director, acting individually or jointly, determine that conditions within the unincorporated areas of Howard County have created the need for travel advisory restrictions without an emergency declaration under I.C. 10-14-3-29, either the Commissioners or Howard County Emergency Management Director may issue an “advisory” or “watch level” travel advisory. However, a “warning” level travel advisory may be issued only after the Commissioners have declared a local disaster emergency under I.C. 10-14-3-29.
(F) Publication and broadcast of the issuance and cancellation of any local travel advisory shall be released to the media as soon as reasonably possible for the Commissioners or the Howard County Emergency Management Director.
(G) Pursuant to I.C. 10-14-3-34, any person who knowingly, intentionally or recklessly violates the restrictions imposed by the issuance of a “watch” or “warning” travel advisory under divisions (D) and (E) above commits a class B misdemeanor.
(Ord. 2012-BCCO-4, passed 2-6-12)