National Preparedness Month a Chance to Make Emergency Plans, Learn Lifesaving Skills

Posted on August 31, 2018
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI

National Preparedness Month starts tomorrow, and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security says there’s something everyone can do to be ready for disasters. During the month of September, residents are encouraged to make and practice an emergency plan; check their insurance coverage; and learn CPR, first aid, or other lifesaving skills.

Homeland Security officials urge Hoosiers to learn what types of disasters are common in their local area, along with the hazards that come along with them. They note that weather emergencies like tornadoes, fires, snow, and floods are often experienced during the course of a year.

As part of their emergency plans, families and businesses are encouraged to pick out meeting locations and create a list of emergency contacts. More preparedness tips can be found at Ready.gov or the Indiana Department of Homeland Security website.

How Do You Prepare For A Natural Disaster?

Hurricanes, tornadoes, fires, floods, earthquakes – this has been one of the worst years on record for natural disasters.  September is National Preparedness Month but where can you find the information/details you need to be prepared?

We’ve done some of the work for you.  On the North Judson-Wayne Township Library’s website we have a section called “Directory and Community Guide for Starke County” which lists local information (child care, education, township trustees, emergency assistance/social & human services, etc.) as well as governmental sites.  One of those is the “READY: Prepare, Plan, Stay Informed” page which provides you with websites where you can order or download the information you need.

Check it out, it could have just what you’ve been looking for.

https://sites.google.com/site/northjudsonwaynetwplibrary/directory-and-community-guide-for-starke-county/readyprepareplanstayinformed

September is National Preparedness Month

Posted on September 5, 2017
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI

It’s time to take action to be prepared when it comes to severe weather.

September is National Preparedness Month and officials urge you to put together a kit of emergency supplies that is geared to sustain family life for at least three days in the event of a severe weather event. It is suggested that one gallon of water per day per person could be included in the kit along with non-perishable food, battery-powered radio, flashlight, a first aid kit, extra medicine, cash, pet food, and seasonal clothing.

Make a plan for what you and your family will do in an emergency. A communication plan should be made in addition to a plan for evacuation. Discuss safety information with colleagues in the workplace or students on campus.

Learn about the different weather threats that are common in the area and how to react. Get training in first aid and emergency response and get involved in preparing your community.

For more information about the types of events that can occur or how to develop an emergency plan or kit, contact the Pulaski County Emergency Management Agency at (574) 946-6391.

IDHS Gauging Hoosiers’ Preparedness

Published: September 3, 2015 By: Michael Gallenberger, WKVI 

The Indiana Department of Homeland Security is conducting a survey to figure out how prepared citizens are for emergencies and disasters.

From now until September 15, residents can take a 10-minute survey on the IDHS website. It’s one of the ways emergency officials are stressing the need for preparedness during September, which is National Preparedness Month. The IDHS says the results will help them understand residents’ needs and how to help them to be more prepared.

The last time time the survey was done was 2013. Then, nearly half of the respondents said they didn’t have the recommended three days’ worth of supplies on hand, and more than half thought emergency personnel would be able to arrive within six hours of a widespread disaster, which officials say is unrealistic.

The IDHS says getting ready for emergencies can be easy and inexpensive, but can make a big difference if a disaster strikes.

The survey can be found at www.in.gov/dhs under “Featured Topics.”

September is National Preparedness Month

Published: September 2, 2014

By: Anita Goodan, WKVI

Marshall County EMA Director Clyde Avery said this is the time of year that we should be preparing for emergencies including natural disaster events and potential terrorist attacks and to take action to protect ourselves and our families.

Avery noted that blizzard and snow events impacted schools, businesses and families this year and tornadoes and severe weather events last year damaged trees, homes and left many people without power for several days. These and many other types of disasters can occur at anytime and anywhere.

Avery suggests that you prepare an emergency kit that includes one gallon of water per person for at least three days, food for the same amount of time, battery-powered radio, flashlight, first aid kit, extra medicine, cash, pet food and season specific clothing.

You should also make a plan in the event of a disaster that includes communication and addresses for shelter and evacuation.

After you are done preparing your own household for a disaster, get involved in preparing your community for the same.