Emergency Preparedness

Disaster. No one likes to think about these circumstances, however, we know that disasters occur worldwide and often without warning.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency, (FEMA) has the responsibility of preparing for disaster and the response that follows.

Indiana has its own disaster preparedness agency, the Indiana Department of Homeland Security. This office oversees disaster response for the state. Their web site is: http://www.in.gov/dhs/index.htm  The site contains a wealth of information on services provided as well as how to prepare your home and family for potential emergencies.

Randolph County also has a local office of Homeland Security Emergency Management Services.  Director Chris Shaneyfelt may be reached at: 765-584-9641.

FEMA recommends that every home have the following items in a pre-prepared and stored Disaster Preparedness Home Kit:

Water:

One gallon of water per person per day. This is both for drinking and sanitary purposes.

• For 3 days, one person needs at least 3 gallons of water.
• Store in clean plastic containers.
• The hotter it is, the more water you may need.
• Sick, injured, children, and nursing mothers may need more as well.

Food:

3 day supply of non-perishable food. Make sure to store foods that require no preparation, no refrigeration, and very little water if any. Include items such as:

• Protein bars
• Canned meats
• Dry cereal
• Dry milk
• Peanut butter
• Baby Formula (if applicable)
• Crackers etc...

First Aid Kit to include:

• Latex gloves
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Petroleum jelly
• Sterile dressings
• Band-Aids
• Thermometer
• Soap or hydrogen peroxide
• Antibiotic ointment
• Sunscreen
• Prescription medication and supplies
• Over-the-counter pain reliever
• Anti-diarrhea medication
• Antacid
• Laxatives

Other Important Items:

• Wrench to Shut Off Gas and Water
• Can Opener (manual not powered)
• Eating Utensils
• Paper Cups, Plates, & Towels
• Flashlight and Extra Batteries (NO candles - open flames could cause an explosion if there is a gas leak.)
• Battery Powered or Hand Crank Radio (NOAA weather radio preferably)
• Local Maps
• Dust Mask
• Plastic Sheeting
• Duct Tape
• Garbage Bags
• Fire Extinguisher
• Matches in a Waterproof Case
• Blanket
• Important Documents in Waterproof Containers (Like birth certificates, social security card, deed, bonds, etc..)
• Chlorine Bleach (9 drops of water to 1 drop of bleach is a usable disinfectant and 16 drops of regular (no scents, color safe, or cleaners) bleach per gallon of water to make it drinkable)
• Cash (keep small bills because no power = no atm or credit cards)
• Clothes (Strong shoes, long sleeve shirt, jeans, extra socks)