Staff report
Floods, blizzards, tornadoes, earthquakes — nature has those hazards and more in abundance for Hoosiers.
State and federal officials hope to increase awareness of natural hazards during Preparedness Week, Sept. 7-13.
A review of Indiana’s spring flooding, how the state responded, and how the recovery continues, will be the focus of a news conference Friday in the Statehouse Rotunda.
Information will also be given on what steps should be taken before an emergency strikes. The importance of having a disaster kit, a plan, being informed, and becoming involved in community activities will be discussed, said John Erickson, head of Indiana’s Department of Homeland Security.
September is also National Preparedness Month, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
The U.S. Small Business Administration is one of the agencies participating. Suggestions for disaster preparedness for businesses are also good ideas for homeowners, said SBA Acting Administrator Sandy K. Baruh.
“There’s a tendency — and it’s human nature — to think that a large-scale disaster is not going to happen where you live,” Baruh said.
Basic steps to prepare for a disaster include:
n Develop a solid emergency response plan.
n Make sure you have adequate insurance coverage.
n Copy important records. Copies of important documents and CDs should be stored in fire-proof safe deposit boxes.
n Create a disaster survival kit, including a flashlight, a portable radio, extra batteries, a first-aid kit, non-perishable packaged and canned food, bottled water, a basic tool kit, plastic bags, cash, and a digital camera to take pictures of the property damage after the storm.
To learn more about developing an emergency plan, visit the DHS’s Ready Campaign Web site at www.ready.gov or call 1-800-BE-READY to receive free materials.
Information is also available at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance/disasterpreparedness/index.html and from the Institute for Business and Home Safety at www.ibhs.org.
