News release from the Allen County Office of Homeland Security:
Allen County Office of Homeland Security Supports Indiana Severe Weather and Flood Preparedness Week, March 15-21, 2015
(March 13, 2015) – The Allen County Office of Homeland Security, in partnership with the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, is encouraging Hoosiers to plan for extreme weather as part of Severe Weather Preparedness Week, March 15-21.
Historically, Indiana has experienced some of the state’s worst thunderstorms, tornadoes and flooding incidents during the spring months. Planning and preparation can help minimize weather-related deaths, injuries and property damage. Hoosiers are encouraged to build a preparedness kit, identify shelter and practice their plan during this year’s preparedness week.
As part of Severe Weather Preparedness Week, on Thursday, March 19, a test of the Emergency Alert System will sound sometime between 10:00-10:30 a.m. EDT and 7:30-8:00 p.m. EDT on commercial radio, television networks and all hazards radios. These drills provide an excellent opportunity for individuals, families, students, teachers, staff and business people to practice their weather safety action plan.
In addition to practicing severe weather emergency plans, it’s important to be prepared in advance. All citizens are also encouraged to prepare or update a disaster preparedness kit. Ten important items to include in your family’s disaster kit include:
- Food and water for three days (include one gallon of water per person, per day)
- Battery operated all hazards radio (airs more than 60 types of emergency alerts)
- Flashlight
- Extra batteries for radio and flashlight, if needed
- First aid kit
- Extra clothing, sturdy shoes, rain gear, blankets and personal hygiene items
- List of emergency phone numbers
- Important documents (copies of photo ID, social security card, insurance and banking information)
- Cash (small bills. Power outages can limit ability to use ATMs and credit cards)
- Special items (baby formula, insulin, life sustaining medication, pet supplies)
Finding suitable shelter is another important aspect to preparing for severe weather, such as a storm or tornado. If living in a mobile home or similar structure, it is important to locate a safe shelter in advance. For those living in homes or apartment buildings, residents should take shelter in the lowest level of the building, away from windows and doors.
Flooding is also an issue Hoosiers may encounter during the spring months. Floods can be very expensive. The National Flood Insurance Program is run by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and purchasing flood insurance is a way that homeowners can protect their homes. FEMA’s FloodSmart website at www.FloodSmart.com has created a tool to quickly estimate the cost of damages from various amounts of floodwater in a home, and includes resources to help homeowners prepare their homes for a flood.
To find out more about preparing for severe weather and floods, visit www.GetPrepared.IN.gov. Visit the Ready website at https://www.ready.gov/ or in Spanish at https://www.ready.gov/es. For preparedness information in other languages visit https://www.ready.gov/.