Hoosiers urged to check on neighbors during deep freeze

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Homeland security officials are urging Hoosiers to be good neighbors during Indiana's current deep freeze by checking on elderly or disabled neighbors who might need some help.

Department of Homeland Security spokesman John Erickson says residents should call ahead first, if possible, before checking on a neighbor's welfare.

They should also try to limit such visits to the daylight hours and always ask neighbors if they're comfortable receiving visitors.

Erickson suggests asking older or disabled neighbors if they need help clearing their driveway or sidewalk, if their home heating is working OK and if they need errands run.

If those neighbors don't need any help, visiting residents should give them their contact information in case that changes.

Erickson says "being a good neighbor doesn't take a lot of time."