Preparedness Month in Full Swing; IDHS Encourages Practicing Emergency Plans

Last updated on Monday, September 18, 2017

(INDIANAPOLIS) - National Preparedness Month is in its third week, and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) is encouraging all Hoosiers to set time aside to practice emergency plans.

The theme of the third week of National Preparedness Month is "Practice and Build Out Your Plans." This serves as a good time for Hoosiers to make sure that emergency plans are not only in place, but are supplemented by tangible items, such as first aid kits.

Listed below are safety tips to consider when building upon an emergency response plan:

Make sure that all important documents such as Social Security cards and bank statements are accounted for and readily available in the event of an evacuation.
Consider making digital copies of important documents, and make sure they're secure and accessible.
Keep at least a one-week supply of important medications on hand, as they may not be available in a disaster.
Consider flood insurance coverage if it isn't already in place. Be aware that most flood insurance policies have a 30-day waiting period before they can go into effect.

Hoosiers should also consider putting together an emergency preparedness kit to incorporate into their plans. Listed below are items to consider including in these kits:

Non-perishable food items such as protein bars, peanut butter and baby formula for infants.
One gallon of water per person per day.
Battery-operated flashlights and all-hazards radios, along with additional batteries.
First aid kits that include items such as adhesive bandages, scissors, over-the-counter pain reliever and antibiotic ointment.

For more information on National Preparedness Month, visit ready.gov/September. For additional preparedness and safety information, visit .

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