Hoosiers Encouraged to Be "Ready: Whenever. Wherever." When Attending Events This Summer

Last updated on Friday, May 27, 2016

(UNDATED) - Memorial Day weekend is considered by many the unofficial start to summer festivities, and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) encourages Hoosiers to be prepared when attending one of the many events occurring over the next several months.

The "Ready: Whenever. Wherever." campaign recognizes that violent acts and dangerous events can occur anywhere, anytime - often with little to no warning. The campaign suggests that event attendees practice reasonable awareness, report suspicious activity and develop a plan for action in the event of an emergency.

"We continue to encourage Hoosiers to enjoy events as usual but plan ahead and be aware of their surroundings when attending large events this summer," said John Erickson, Director of Public Information at IDHS. "Preparation can help ensure safety and calmness in the event of an emergency."

Hoosiers should consider potential safety risks in their surroundings and identify possible actions they could take to increase their personal safety in the event of an emergency.

These are some tips to consider when attending events:

Think about different scenarios that could be encountered in large public settings.
Maintain awareness of other people and developing situations in the surrounding areas.
Identify the emergency exits and safety barriers upon entering a building or event.
Arrange ahead of time where to meet family and friends in case of an emergency.

IDHS also asks Hoosiers to be vigilant when attending events and report any suspicious activity. Suspicious activity is any observed behavior that could indicate the potential for criminal activity. This includes, but is not limited to:

Unusual items or situations - an unattended package, a vehicle parked in an odd location, an individual who is overdressed for the weather or a strong odor coming from a building or vehicle;
Eliciting information - a person asking questions beyond curiosity about a building's purpose, operations or security procedures;
Surveillance - someone paying unusual attention to facilities or buildings beyond a casual or professional interest. This includes extended loitering without explanation or prolonged observation of a building.

To report suspicious activity at an event, contact on-site security or the local law enforcement's non-emergency line. If violence is imminent, call 9-1-1. For more information, please visit GetPrepared.in.gov.

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