Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Tuesday, September 2, 2014
(UNDATED) - Governor Mike Pence has declared September Preparedness Month. The focus of this month is to educate and empower Hoosiers to prepare for and respond to all types of emergencies.
Hoosiers can take some simple and inexpensive steps now to be more prepared, according to the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS).
A disaster or emergency, such as a winter storm, flooding, tornado, natural disaster or terrorist attacks, could leave households without electricity, heat, and clean running water. There is also a possibility that communication to police, fire or rescue personnel might not be immediate.
Hoosiers remain largely unprepared for disasters and other life-threatening emergencies. Experience shows that preparing ahead of time can help people better respond to, recover from, and lessen the physical, emotional and financial impact of a disaster or other emergency.
Officials from IDHS recommend Hoosiers turn awareness into action and adopt the goal of being self-reliant for at least three days, in the event of a disaster or other type of emergency.
To start getting prepared today, follow these four steps:
Get a Kit
- Make sure to have one gallon of water per person per day.
- Stock non-perishable food that can last up to three days.
- Include first aid supplies into preparedness kit.
Make a Plan
- Create a family emergency plan in the event of a fire, tornado, flood or any other potential disaster.
Be Informed
- Stay up-to-date in emergency situations with weather radios, local media and online.
Get Involved
- Once you and your family are prepared for emergency situations, go out and teach someone about preparedness.
IDHS, Indiana Geological Survey at Indiana University, the American Red Cross, local emergency management and other public safety agencies want everyone to be prepared.
Preparedness Month is a nationwide effort held each September to raise public awareness and to encourage Americans to prepare for disasters and emergencies in their homes, businesses and schools.
For more information on how to prepared, visit GetPrepared.IN.gov.
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