Emergency officials urge you to check safety plans this week
This is severe weather preparedness week and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security is urging you to check and to update your family’s plans for extreme weather conditions.
Emergency officials encourage you to build a disaster preparedness kit, to identify shelter locations and to practice emergency plans during this year’s preparedness week.
There will be a statewide tornado drill at 10:15 a.m. Tuesday morning. It is suggested that during the tornado drill you practice taking your family members to a safe location for severe weather such as a basement or an interior room with no windows on the lowest level of your home. You could also practice by moving under a sturdy table or desk, and covering up with pillows, mattresses, or heavy coats.
They also suggest you take time to go over possible evacuation routes from your home and neighborhood.
As part of a disaster preparedness kit, Indiana Department of Homeland Security suggests including:
- Food and water for three days (include one gallon of water per person, per day)
- Battery operated all hazard radio (receives 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)