Disaster planning vital for safety, security, Purdue expert says
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — An earthquake that hit Indiana on Thursday (Dec. 30) should serve as a reminder for the public to be prepared for disasters that could strike at any moment, a Purdue Extension disaster specialist says.
While the most common disasters and conditions Indiana residents should prepare for are floods, tornadoes, snow and ice storms, and releases of hazardous materials, they also should be ready for earthquakes, said Steve Cain, who also is president of the Indiana Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster.
"Plans save lives and money and reduce stress and grief," Cain said.
He said people should plan to take care of themselves for the first hours or days after a disaster, when emergency response personnel will be busy trying to save lives and return infrastructure, such as roads and utilities, to normal.
"By being prepared to take care of yourself, including having food, water and other necessities, you'll contribute to making your entire community better prepared for a disaster," Cain said.
The magnitude 3.8 earthquake was centered in Howard County about 50 miles north of Indianapolis and was felt in surrounding states and further east. There were reports of minor damage.
Cain suggested four steps for being prepared for disasters:
* Be prepared. Be informed about the types of emergencies, including earthquakes, that could occur where you live. Knowing the appropriate ways to respond to them will influence the decisions you make and the actions you take. You also should learn about state and local government emergency plans established in your area. A resource to use when learning about various disasters is the Federal Emergency Management Agency's "Are You Ready," at https://www.fema.gov/areyouready/
* Get a kit. Prepare a kit that will get you through the first three days of a disaster. The Extension Disaster Education Network offers advice on how to make a kit at https://eden.lsu.edu/Resources/NPM/Pages/GetaKit.aspx. "Look around your community. If someone you know doesn't have the resources to make a kit, help them," Cain said.
* Make a plan. There are several parts to a plan, including post-disaster communication, evacuation and sheltering. EDEN has resources on making a plan at https://eden.lsu.edu/Resources/NPM/Pages/Makeaplan.aspx. "Just the process of going through a plan and reviewing it once or twice per year will improve your well-being should a major emergency happen around you," Cain said.
* Get involved. Volunteers make a big difference in communities preparing for and recovering from a disaster. Volunteering can be as simple as knowing what to do in your workplace, and it can be as involved as stepping up with a volunteer organization or faith-based organization aimed at helping in a disaster. To learn more about disaster volunteer groups, visit the Indiana Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster site at https://invoad.com/ and click on "Members."
Cain also suggested checking to see if your county has a Community Organization Active in Disaster. Your local emergency manager, American Red Cross or Salvation Army contact should be able to provide information for you. If your community does not have a COAD, you can read about how COADs are formed at https://invoad.com/coad.php
Writer: Keith Robinson, 765-494-2722, robins89@purdue.edu
Source: Steve Cain, 765 494-8410, cain@purdue.edu
Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722;
Keith Robinson, robins89@purdue.edu
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