Putnam 911 Center deluged with calls during storm

CARMEL – Putnam County’s 911 Dispatch Center became deluged with calls once on Thursday evening’s snow intensified resulting in dozens and dozens of crashes, scores of stranded vehicles and miles of blocked roads.
Dispatch Center Director Cindy Jacobsen said between the hours of 4 p.m. to 12 midnight, dispatchers answered 482 incoming calls that included 385 from motorists in need of assistance, people with emergencies, reports of wires down and arcing, closed roads and power outages with 97 additional calls received from individuals seeking information regarding the storm.
“The tour was beyond hectic. Our dispatchers didn’t stop, didn’t eat and could barely escape to run to the bathroom,” Jacobsen said.
Commissioner of Emergency Services Ken Clair called Putnam County’s 911 dispatchers “our unsung heroes. These dedicated men and women serve as our first line of defense. Without their professionalism and dedication, the 911 center would not be able to function.”
The other counties in the region experienced similar call volumes at their 911 centers on Thursday night.