BEDFORD — As September marks National Preparedness Month, Lawrence County officials are encouraging all residents to take proactive steps to prepare for emergencies. Lawrence County Emergency Management Director Valerie Luchauer shared the campaign’s key message with commissioners on Tuesday, emphasizing the importance of creating a family emergency plan, building a disaster kit, and learning life-saving skills.
What to Do for National Preparedness Month
The annual campaign, promoted by Ready.gov, offers a simple framework for preparedness:
- Make a Plan: Develop a family communication plan that includes designated meeting places and evacuation routes.
- Build a Kit: Assemble a disaster kit with a minimum three-day supply of non-perishable food, water, medicine, and other essential items.
- Learn First Aid: Consider taking a certified first aid and CPR course.
- Know Local Risks: Be aware of common hazards in Indiana, such as tornadoes, floods, and severe storms.
- Practice Your Plan: Regularly review and practice your emergency plans with your family.
- Get Involved: Support community preparedness efforts through organizations like the American Red Cross or Citizen Corps.
Free Weather Radios Available for Vulnerable Residents
In a significant effort to enhance local safety, Lawrence County Emergency Management is distributing free weather radios to residents most in need. Thanks to a generous $5,500 grant from Duke Energy, this initiative aims to provide critical weather alerts to those without reliable internet or cable television access, particularly the elderly, those in mobile homes, and residents of small communities. The Rotary club has also contributed by providing batteries for the radios.
Director Luchauer noted that demand for the radios has been high, stating, “We gave away all our weather radios.”
Community leaders and residents in small communities are encouraged to pick up radios for distribution. Huron Baptist Church, for example, has several radios available for residents in that area. Other communities, such as Oolitic, are also welcome to acquire radios for their most vulnerable residents.
Residents or organizations can contact the Lawrence County Emergency Management office at 812-277-9680 to inquire about receiving a weather radio.
