For the Republican
The American Red Cross along with the National Weather Service, the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, Indiana State Police, Indiana Department of Education, the Indiana Broadcasters Association, and the amateur radio community, is participating in Severe Weather Preparedness Week this week.
March is Red Cross month, and in celebration the Red Cross urges every family, school, and business to take time now to be ready for severe weather by following these three steps.
n Get a Kit – Have essential items collected to sustain you and your family for 3 days after an emergency. Disaster Supplies Starter Kit items include:
Water
Food
Flashlights with extra batteries
First-aid supplies
Radio
Multi-purpose tools
Cell phone with chargers
Clothing
Blankets or sleeping bags
Sanitation and personal hygiene items
Copies of important family documents
Emergency contact information
Extra cash
Map(s) of the area
Medications (7-day supply) and medical items
n Make a Plan – Include evacuation information and emergency contacts for staying connected with loved ones during a disaster.
n Be Informed - Learn about the types of disasters that you may face and the best ways to respond to them.
Activities for Severe Weather Preparedness week include the 32nd annual statewide test tornado drill between 10:15 and 10:30 a.m. Wednesday. A second drill will occur between 7:30 and 7:45 p.m. Wednesday.
Thursday is the make-up drill day if weather postpones Wednesday’s drill. These drills and communication tests should be used as times to practice your disaster plan.
