Monday starts Severe Weather Preparedness Week, a statewide effort to bring the attention of Hoosiers to threats posed by tornadoes and thunderstorms.

The goal of the week, which ends Friday, is to better educate people about the hazards of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes, and to help everyone be prepared should severe weather occur.

So families can practice their severe weather safety plans, the National Weather Service will conduct a statewide test of communication systems on Wednesday between 10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. and between 7 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. If weather postpones Wednesday’s drill, a make-up drill will be conducted at the same times on Friday.

For additional information on preparedness for severe weather and other emergencies, go to the Indiana Department of Homeland Security Web site at www.in.gov/dhs/3638.htm



Before the storm

• Develop a plan for you and your family for home, work school and when outdoors.

• Have frequent drills.

• Know the area in which you live, and keep a highway map nearby to follow storm movement from weather bulletins.

• Have a NOAA weather radio with a warning alarm and battery back-up to receive warnings.

• Listen to radio and television for information.

• If planning a trip, listen to the latest forecasts and take necessary action.



When threatening weather approaches

• In a home or building, move to a pre-designated shelter, such as a basement.

• If an underground shelter is not available, move to an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor and get under a sturdy piece of furniture.

• Stay away from windows.

• Get out of automobiles.

• Do not try to outrun a tornado in your car; instead, leave the car immediately.

• If caught outside or in a vehicle, lie flat in a ditch or depression.

• Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes and should be abandonded.

Source: Cass County Emergency Management Agency



Kit contents

A standard preparedness kit should include the following items:

• Water — You and your family may be without water for days in the aftermath of a disaster. The Red Cross recommends that each person store one gallon of water per day for at least three days. This supply will provide water for drinking as well as limited cleaning and cooking.

• Food — When preparing for a disaster, store at least three days of non-perishable, nutritious food that requires little or no water or cooking to prepare. Don’t forget to store a manual can opener with non-perishable food items. When assembling items, remember that you and your family may be without water, gas or electricity for an unknown period of time.

• Medications — When assembling a preparedness kit for you and your family, remember that pharmacies may be closed in the wake of a disaster. Be sure to include a week’s supply of prescription and over-the-counter medications. Also keep a list of all medications and dosages, allergies, doctors’ names and nearby hospitals.

• Radio — Your home, or even neighborhood, may lose power in the aftermath of a disaster. Keep a battery-powered or hand-crank radio in your kit. Don’t forget to include extra batteries in your kit to ensure you and your family stay informed throughout the course or aftermath of a disaster.

• First aid kit — Injuries are a common occurrence in a disaster. Be prepared to treat yourself, your loved ones and others who need help.

• Personal documents — You and your family may be displaced after a disaster. Be prepared, ensuring you have all necessary records with you — ID, passport, birth certificate and insurance policies. Also keep an extra set of eye glasses, contact lenses, a cane, hearing aid batteries or any other personal items you may need.

• Contact info — Keep a list of family phone numbers and addresses as well as a copy of your out-of-area emergency contact card in your preparedness kit. Note that it is often easier to make a long-distance call rather than a local call after a disaster strikes.

• Map — Include a detailed map of the surrounding areas with highlighted evacuation routes. Following a disaster, roads may be closed and travel out of the affected area may not be possible. Become familiar with alternate routes to and from your home.

• Money — Following a disaster, banks and ATMs may be closed. Keep small bills and change on hand to buy necessary supplies like water.

• Clothing — You and your family may be forced to evacuate your home in a hurry without time to pack accordingly. Keep an extra set of warm clothes and sturdy shoes in your preparedness kit to ensure you’re equipped to evacuate if needed.

• Sanitary supplies — Include extra toilet paper, feminine supplies, personal hygiene products, bleach and any other personal products you may need in your preparedness kit.

• Pet supplies — Remember to include your pets in the plan. Make sure to assemble things your pets will need during a disaster, like food, leashes, medicine, etc.

• Tools — Keep an adjustable wrench in your preparedness kit to turn off your gas if necessary. Other tools may include a manual can opener, plastic sheeting, garbage bags with ties and duct tape.

Source: American Red Cross



Need information?

For more information on being prepared, call the Cass/White County Red Cross office at (574) 753-6154 or visit the Web site at www.redcross.org