To report a gas leak, call Citizens Energy at 317-924-3311 from a safe location away from the gas leak.

If you are not sure if what you are smelling is natural gas, Citizens Energy still encourages people to follow the above precautions. If you are unsure what natural gas smells like and you would like to be prepared in the event of a leak, you can request a scratch-and-sniff card here.

When there is an animal on the loose or an animal being neglected

For loose animals causing trouble in your area, IMPD discourages citizens from approaching the animal, going onto neighbor’s property to try and corral or catch the animal or to create a panic within the neighborhood for such disturbances. According to Indiana Municipal Code 531, “persons finding a stray animal are to notify animal care services division, or its designee, within 48 hours.” If you find a stray animal roaming their neighborhood, you should call the Indianapolis Animal Care Services at 317-327-1397.

If you suspect a neighbor is abusing or neglecting an animal in their care, visit the Indiana State Board of Animal Health’s website here, or call the Mayor’s Action Center at 317-327-4622.

When the roadway needs attention

The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) regularly checks and monitors the roadways and keeps an updated map of travel conditions for all Indiana counties. That being said, INDOT has a portal for citizens to report issues on the roadways they feel are concerning for public health or safety. For urgent matters, INDOT suggests calling 855-463-6848 to speak with a representative.

INDOT can address traffic signals, construction sites, dead animals, litter, road signs and all maintenance on interstate highways, state routes and state roads. The above portal and phone number can be utilized for any questions, comments or concerns regarding any of the reasons outlined on their official website.

To report road issues that are not located on a highway, state road, or state route, you can report potholes, flooded roads, icy roads, or issues within your neighborhood to the Mayor’s Action Center (MAC) at 317-327-4622. The MAC is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. and Thursdays from 8 a.m.-5.p.m. with an hour break between 2-3 p.m. You can also report a pothole through their online portal.

When someone is not following the HOA guidelines

To report an issue with a member of your neighborhood disobeying Home Owner’s Association (HOA) guidelines, such as improper or lewd signage, improper storage or trash bins or general disturbances, citizens are advised by IMPD to contact their personal representatives to report the issue. To find information about your HOA, you can independently research the name of your neighborhood, as well as reach out to any neighbors who may have the contact information for your HOA.

For those who have a concern in their neighborhood but do not have an HOA, citizens are encouraged to call the Mayor’s Action Center at 317-327-4622 for issues such as roadway blockages, potholes, lewd signage, abandoned or dilapidated homes, trash/recycling pickup questions, high grass or weeds or any other non-emergent issue you may be experiencing in your neighborhood.

When I am worried about one of my neighbors

In order to request a welfare check for a neighbor, you can call the non-emergency police line at 311.

For additional information regarding who to contact for specific problems in your neighborhood, check the Mayor’s Action Center website here, the IMPD portal here, the INDOT portal here and the RequestIndy portal here.

Contact Staff Writer Hanna Rauworth at 317.762.7854 or follow her at @hanna.rauworth