INDIANAPOLIS -The Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) advises all Hoosiers to take responsibility for their families and communities before a disaster strikes. Emergencies, both natural and man-made, are present in the lives of today’s Hoosiers. Fires, H1N1 flu, severe weather and the resulting flooding pose a continuing threat to Hoosiers. It is not a matter of should you prepare, but how quickly can you be ready?

Hoosier citizens must join the effort of being prepared. Be prepared to care for yourself and your family during a disaster. “You cannot change an event such as severe weather, but you can change how you react to it and your level of personal capability,” said IDHS Executive Director Joe Wainscott. “During a disaster, being able to take care of your own needs, for even a short time, will help public safety professionals devote resources to assist those who need them most.”

During or immediately following a natural or manmade disaster federal, state and local emergency management agencies will be working extremely hard to provide emergency relief, and promote public safety and well-being. During wide spread or severe emergencies, however, assistance from these agencies may not be immediately available due to the type of emergency or the number of persons affected.

The best way to prepare for any emergency is to Get a kit. Make a plan. Be informed. Get involved.

• Get a kit: Gather enough food, water, medicine and other supplies to sustain you and your household for at least three days, including your pets.
• Make a plan: Know what to do for different emergencies. Share and practice a plan with your family members.
• Be informed: Learn more about potential emergencies threatening the area where you live and appropriate ways to respond.
• Get involved: Once you and your family are prepared for emergency situations, go out and teach someone else about being prepared.

To find out more about what to do in an emergency, visit the Indiana Department of Homeland Security website at www.in.gov/dhs and click on “Get Prepared.”

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