Are you prepared for a natural disaster in Indiana?

Hoosiers have watched anxiously as the events of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita have unfolded and have witnessed two terrible days of tornadoes here in Indiana this past fall. A hurricane is not a threat for Indiana, but there are natural disasters that pose serious threats to our area more often than we realize. Please take a moment to review these tips for keeping yourself and your family prepared.

Tornadoes

Tornadoes can cause fatalities and devastate a neighborhood in seconds. Always pay attention to tornado watches and warnings that are issued and seek appropriate shelter immediately. Move toward the center of an interior room on the lowest level (closet, interior hallway), putting as many walls as possible between you and the outside. If you are in a vehicle, trailer or mobile home, get out immediately and go to the lowest floor of a sturdy, nearby building or storm shelter.

Thunderstorms and lightning

Each thunderstorm produces lightning so it is important to take all of them seriously. During a thunderstorm, get inside a home, building or hard top automobile (not a convertible). Avoid showering or bathing and using a corded telephone. Cordless and cellular telephones are safe to use. Avoid natural lightning rods such as a tall, isolated tree in an open area. When the roads are flooded, do not drive into the water unless you can actually see the ground.

Fire

Always have functional smoke alarms in your house. Plan an escape route with a meeting place and practice it with your family. Make sure windows can be opened and consider escape ladders if your residence has more than one level. Teach family members to stay low to the floor and to never use the palm of your hand or fingers to test for heat on closed doors - burning those areas could impair your ability to escape. If you cannot escape from a window, hang a white or light-colored sheet outside the window, alerting fire fighters to your presence.

Disaster supply kits

Every household should have a Disaster Supply Kit which can be accessed in case of an emergency. Here are some things that you need to have on hand at all times to be prepared for a natural disaster:

Three-day supply of water (one gallon per person, per day) and food that won't spoil.
One change of clothing and footwear per person and one blanket.
A first aid kit that includes a battery-powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries.
An extra set of car keys and a credit card or cash.
Personal hygiene products.
Special items for infant, elderly or disabled family members.
An extra pair of glasses.
Keep important family documents in a water-and-fire-proof container.

- Source: Office of Faith-Based and
Community Initiatives, State of Indiana

Last updated on 25 Apr 2008

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