Hoosiers Urged to Be "Ready: Whenever. Wherever."

Last updated on Friday, December 4, 2015

(INDIANAPOLIS) - The Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) is announcing its new campaign: “Ready: Whenever. Wherever.”

The "Ready: Whenever. Wherever." campaign is a continuation of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's "See Something, Say Something" campaign, which asks the public to be on the lookout for perpetrators of violent behavior and to report any suspicious activity to law enforcement.

The "Ready: Whenever. Wherever." campaign recognizes that violent acts and dangerous events can occur anywhere, anytime -- often with little to no warning. With increased security concerns at the local, state and national levels, IDHS is encouraging Hoosiers to be ready.

"Discussion, preparation and practice allows you and your family to stay calm in the event of an emergency, whether evacuation from a fire, or faced with threatening or violent behavior," said John Erickson with the IDHS. "This campaign is meant to help empower Hoosiers to live without fear and continue attending events and activities according to their comfort level."

The "Ready: Whenever. Wherever." approach asks Hoosiers to pause and consider potential safety risks in their surroundings and to identify possible actions they could take to increase their personal safety in the event of an emergency.

For example, Hoosiers should:

Think about different scenarios that could be encountered in public settings.
Consider what defensive actions would be appropriate for oneself and one's family.
Mentally or actively rehearse actions.
Identify the emergency exits and safety barriers upon entering a building.
Maintain awareness of other people and developing situations in the surrounding area.

"We each choose the best way to live our lives, and the safety of our loved ones is paramount," Erickson said.

Indiana residents are encouraged to consider how "Ready: Whenever. Wherever." fits in their homes and communities by talking with family, friends and work colleagues.

For more information, visit GetPrepared.in.gov.

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