TERRE HAUTE — State leaders are hoping citizens in every Indiana household establish both an emergency preparedness kit and a plan on how to handle any natural or manmade disaster that could arise. “one of the biggest excuses for lack of preparedness is that ‘it won’t happen to me,’” said Joe Wainscott, director of Indiana’s Department of Homeland Security as he spoke to the District 7 Task Force members gathered at Maryland Community Church southeast of Terre Haute. The program was part of an event marking National Preparedness Month. Yet, central Indiana is susceptible to fires, floods, tornadoes, winter storms, train derailments, earthquakes and terrorist attacks. “Citizen preparedness is critical for us as responders,” Wainscott said. “And preparation is really a year-round endeavor.” Communities need to be reminded of that fact on a regular basis, he told the many emergency responders from District 7, which includes Clay, Greene, Owen, Parke, Putnam, Sullivan, Vermillion and Vigo counties. many people are also not prepared because they expect emergency workers to come take care of them, Wainscott said. “we need to help folks change their mindset to be survivors, rather than victims,” he said. That includes putting together an emergency supply kit with enough water and food for three days, along with a hand-cranked weather radio, first aid kit, flashlights, blankets and other necessities. many survival supplies, such as bags of water and dehydrated food, can be found online by Googling “preparedness kits,” said Emily Norcross of the Department of Homeland Security. “If you are able to, you really should put together a kit, because first responders can then respond to people who are really in need,” Norcross said. “The water situation is huge,” she said. “also, knowing how to turn off utilities to stay safe [is vital].” The tips for disaster preparedness are available at www.in.gov/dhs/getprepared But another part of being prepared, Wainscott said, is also anticipating future problems, preventing them and mitigating existing problems. That can involve repairing dams and levees, or projects such as shoring up weak hillsides to prevent landslides. In homes, it can mean cleaning out debris and clutter in basements and outbuildings to provide better access to shelter and supplies, while reducing fire hazards. “many times we are powerless to prevent some events,” he said. “sometimes we only get early warnings.” he pointed out that the 2009 earthquake in Haiti was a national disaster with a high death toll. But a few weeks later, a much more powerful earthquake in Chile claimed only about 2,000 lives. The main reason for the difference was planning and preparedness in Chile through building codes and construction that mitigated the effects of the earthquake. It has been almost 200 years since the strong earthquakes along the new Madrid fault struck the central United States, including Indiana. Wainscott pointed out that earthquakes are always a possibility in this region, and that is a good reason to be prepared. Winter weather and spring storms also bring hazards. The Department of Homeland Security is asking all Hoosiers to take steps this month to prepare their family, neighborhood and community for emergencies and disasters by putting together an emergency supply kit, making a family emergency plan, being prepared to help a neighbor, and working as a team to keep everyone safe. And the same goes for workplaces and employers. Lisa Trigg can be reached at (812) 231-4254 or lisa.trigg@tribstar.com.
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