INDIANAPOLIS - A 2009 national study conducted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Citizen Corps concluded that too few people have stocked disaster supplies and most supplies are incomplete. Some of the most essential supplies disaster kits were missing include a flashlight, first aid kit and a portable radio.

Throughout the month of September, the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) will be partnering with state and local emergency management and public safety officials to encourage Hoosiers to take responsibility for boosting their personal levels of emergency preparedness. State partners include: The American Red Cross of Greater Indianapolis, Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM), Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT), Indiana National Guard (INNG), Indiana State Board of Animal Health (BOAH), Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH), Indiana State Police (ISP), and the National Weather Service (NWS).

"The goal of preparedness month is to give Hoosiers an opportunity to take their personal level of emergency preparedness a step further," says IDHS Executive Director Joe Wainscott. "If you've never put together a disaster kit, now is an ideal time to assemble one. If you do have a kit, inventory its contents and restock if necessary, create or update your emergency communication plan, or talk with family members about what to do in different kinds of emergencies.  Whether you're extremely prepared or have never thought about disaster preparedness before, take at least one step this month to boost your level of readiness."

Details about how to prepare for all types of disasters and emergencies are available on the IDHS website at www.in.gov/dhs/getprepared.

The study also found that one of the most common reasons people failed to prepare is that they relied too heavily on emergency responders.

"During a disaster, emergency services will be stressed and in high demand," said Wainscott. Hoosiers must take responsibility for themselves and their families and be prepared to take care of each other for at least for a few days."

In support of the nation-wide preparedness month campaign, Governor Daniels has declared September as preparedness month in Indiana.

All month, IDHS will be working to impress on everyone the importance of being prepared and the simple steps each individual and family can take to help keep them safe in all kinds of emergency situations.

The following state agencies also support preparedness month.

American Red Cross of Greater Indianapolis
"The Greater Indianapolis Red Cross will be distributing preparedness information at various events during the month, at corporate United Way fairs and on Monument Circle during the Colts Go Blue for United Way Day on September 10. Look for Be Red Cross Ready action steps on the Marsh paper bags during the month as well," says John Lyter, CEO of the American Red Cross of Greater Indianapolis.

Indiana Department of Natural Resources
"The Indiana Department of Natural Resources manages the best places in the state for outdoor recreation - parks, reservoirs, forests, fish and wildlife areas, nature preserves - as well as the beautiful natural lakes, rivers and streams," says Robert E. Carter Jr., DNR Director. "Although these places provide wonderful recreational opportunities for the public, it's important to be prepared for the unexpected when outside and more vulnerable to the elements."

Indiana Department of Environmental Management
"The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) works with local, state and federal agencies to protect public health and the environment during disasters. In such events, drinking water can be impacted and individuals should be prepared to respond to boil orders or rationing requirements," says IDEM Commissioner Thomas Easterly. "To report an environmental emergency, such as a hazardous materials release, fish kill or oil spill, call IDEM's 24-hour Emergency Response Hotline at 1-888-233-7745." 

Indiana Department of Transportation
"The Indiana Department of Transportation helps keep Hoosiers safe by monitoring road conditions and advising the public when travel may be hazardous. An important part of being prepared is staying informed about potentially dangerous road conditions.  Motorists can "Know Before You Go" by visiting www.trafficwise.in.gov or calling 1-800-261-ROAD (7623) to plan their travels," says Michael B. Cline, INDOT Commissioner.

Indiana National Guard
"Within the first few moments of any disaster we are all victims of the initial shock. The way we can judge ourselves is how quickly each of us who are capable moves from victim category to responder category. That is the critical transition required for success," says Adjutant General R. Martin Umbarger. "Let's be prepared to make that transition."

Indiana State Board of Animal Health
"The Indiana State Board of Animal Health monitors and responds to significant animal disease disasters and animal disaster preparedness. When assembling a disaster kit, pet owners should also make sure they have necessary supplies to care for their animals," says Sandi Norman, DVM, companion animal director.

 Indiana State Department of Health
"The Indiana State Department of Health is responsible for responding to a variety of public health emergencies, including not only disease outbreaks, but also health threats occurring during or as a result of a natural disaster. During any emergency, it's essential to follow all directions by local, state and federal health officials," says State Health Commissioner Gregory N. Larkin, M.D.

Indiana State Police
"It's important to follow the instructions of all public safety personnel at all times, but especially during emergencies or other hazardous conditions," says Major Carlos Pettiford. "Indiana State Police and local law enforcement personnel are dedicated to helping Hoosiers during any emergency."

National Weather Service
"The National Weather Service monitors for hazardous and adverse weather conditions issuing statements, watches and warnings for the protection of life and property. Preparedness is the first step in keeping informed of life-threatening weather conditions," says Daniel McCarthy, Meteorologist in Charge of the National Weather Service in Indianapolis.

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