Prepare for Emergencies in Putnam County
Emergencies can happen at any time, often with little warning. Taking time now to prepare can help protect you, your family, and your property. Putnam County experiences a variety of hazards throughout the year, especially severe weather. Use the information below to understand the risks and learn how to prepare.
- Severe Weather
Severe weather is the most frequent hazard in Putnam County. Thunderstorms can quickly produce damaging winds, tornadoes, large hail, and power outages that impact homes, roads, and utilities. These events can develop rapidly and become dangerous with little warning.
How to Prepare
Identify a safe place in your home, such as a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor away from windows. Make sure everyone in your household knows where to go during a warning. Sign up for local emergency alerts and enable weather notifications on your phone. Keep a NOAA Weather Radio for backup alerts in case of power or cell outages. Secure outdoor items that could become airborne in strong winds.
Develop a family communication plan so everyone knows how to stay in contact during and after an emergency. Choose an out-of-area contact person, establish a meeting location, and make sure all household members know how to send text messages if phone lines are busy.
Visit Ready.gov's Make a Plan page to build your Family Communication Plan: Make a Plan Form
Prepare an emergency kit that is easy to access during and after a storm. Include essentials such as water, non-perishable food, flashlights, extra batteries, a first aid kit, medications, phone chargers or power banks, important documents, and a weather radio. Plan ahead for power outages, especially if anyone in your household relies on electricity for medical equipment.
For a complete checklist, visit the Indiana Department of Homeland Security’s Disaster Kits page: Get Prepared: Disaster Kits
During Severe Weather
Move to your safe place immediately when a warning is issued. Stay away from windows and protect your head and neck.
Know the difference:
- Watch: Conditions are possible: be prepared
- Warning: A threat is occurring: take action immediately
Stay away from downed power lines and report outages to your utility provider.
Resources
- National Weather Service: https://www.weather.gov
- Ready.gov Severe Weather: https://www.ready.gov/severe-weather
- Indiana Department of Homeland Security: https://www.in.gov/dhs/get-prepared/
- Flooding
Flooding can occur quickly, especially during heavy rainfall. Low-water crossings, creeks, and rural roads in Putnam County are particularly vulnerable and may become dangerous with little warning.
How to Prepare
Know if your home, workplace, or daily travel routes are in flood-prone areas. Plan alternate routes and be prepared to move to higher ground if needed. Store important documents in waterproof containers and consider flood insurance if you are in a risk area.
During a Flood
Move to higher ground immediately if flooding threatens your area. Never walk or drive through floodwaters.
Turn Around, Don’t Drown
Just 12 inches of moving water can carry away a vehicle, and floodwaters may hide damage to the road.
Avoid flooded areas entirely and follow all road closure signs and instructions from emergency officials.
Resources
- Ready.gov Flooding: https://www.ready.gov/floods
- FEMA Flood Maps: https://msc.fema.gov
- Indiana Department of Natural Resources: https://www.in.gov/dnr/water/
- Extreme Cold
Extreme cold and winter storms can create hazardous conditions, including icy roads, power outages, and dangerously low wind chills. Prolonged exposure can lead to frostbite or hypothermia.
How to Prepare
Maintain a supply of food, water, and essential items for at least three days. Keep extra blankets, warm clothing, and safe heating options available. Prepare your vehicle with an emergency kit, including blankets, a flashlight, and additional supplies in case you become stranded.
During Extreme Cold
Limit time outdoors and dress in layers, covering exposed skin. Keep indoor spaces heated safely and avoid unsafe heating sources.
Never use generators or grills indoors — this can cause deadly carbon monoxide poisoning.
Check on neighbors, especially older adults and those with limited mobility.
Resources
- Ready.gov Winter Weather: https://www.ready.gov/winter-weather
- CDC Cold Weather Safety: https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/
- Extreme Heat
High temperatures and humidity can create dangerous conditions and increase the risk of heat-related illness, especially for children, older adults, and those with medical conditions.
How to Prepare
Stay hydrated and plan to limit outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day. Identify locations where you can stay cool, such as air-conditioned homes or public buildings.
During Extreme Heat
Drink plenty of water, even if you are not thirsty. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing and take frequent breaks if working outdoors.
Never leave children or pets in vehicles — temperatures can become deadly within minutes.
Know the signs of heat illness: dizziness, confusion, nausea, and excessive sweating.
Resources
- Ready.gov Extreme Heat: https://www.ready.gov/heat
- CDC Heat Safety: https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/
- Hazardous Materials Incidents
Hazardous materials incidents can occur from transportation accidents, agricultural operations, or industrial sources. These incidents may require evacuation or sheltering in place to remain safe.
How to Prepare
Understand the difference between sheltering in place and evacuating. Keep emergency supplies ready and be prepared to act quickly if directed by officials.
During an Incident
Follow instructions from emergency officials immediately.
Shelter in Place:
- Go indoors
- Close and lock windows and doors
- Turn off heating and cooling systems that bring in outside air
Evacuate if instructed — leave the area promptly using recommended routes.
Resources
- Ready.gov Hazardous Materials: https://www.ready.gov/hazardous-materials-incidents
- Indiana Department of Homeland Security: https://www.in.gov/dhs/
- Transportation Incidents
Transportation incidents, including crashes and hazardous road conditions, can lead to sudden road closures and unsafe travel conditions, especially during severe weather.
How to Prepare
Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle with items such as a flashlight, blanket, water, and a phone charger. Check weather and road conditions before traveling.
During an Incident
Slow down and follow posted warnings. Avoid closed or hazardous roadways.
Move Over or Slow Down for emergency vehicles and responders.
Do not drive around barricades — they are in place for your safety.
Resources
- Indiana Department of Transportation: https://www.in.gov/indot/
- Indiana Traffic Information: https://511in.org
- Active Shooters
Active shooter incidents are rare but can occur in any community. Being aware of your surroundings and knowing how to respond can help save lives.
How to Prepare
Stay alert in public places and be aware of exits wherever you go. Consider how you would respond in an emergency and discuss plans with family or coworkers.
During an Incident
Run — If it is safe to do so, evacuate immediately and leave belongings behind.
Hide — If you cannot escape, find a secure place out of view, lock or block doors, and silence your phone.
Fight — As a last resort, be prepared to defend yourself.Call 911 when it is safe to do so and follow all instructions from law enforcement.
Resources
- Ready.gov Active Shooter: https://www.ready.gov/active-shooter
- DHS Active Shooter Preparedness: https://www.dhs.gov/active-shooter-preparedness
- Terrorism
While rare, acts of terrorism can occur anywhere and may take many forms, including explosions, vehicle attacks, or threats to public spaces. Being aware of your surroundings and reporting suspicious activity can help keep your community safe.
How to Prepare
Stay alert in public places such as events, schools, and shopping areas. Be aware of exits and emergency procedures wherever you go. If you see something unusual or suspicious, report it to local authorities.
See Something, Say Something
Report suspicious activity to local law enforcement or call 911 in an emergency. You can also report tips to the Indiana Intelligence Fusion Center.
During an Incident
Follow instructions from law enforcement and emergency officials immediately. Be prepared to take protective actions depending on the situation, including evacuating the area or sheltering in place.
If you encounter a violent situation, remember the same principles used in active threat situations:
Run — If it is safe to do so, evacuate immediately and leave belongings behind.
Hide — If you cannot escape, find a secure place out of view, lock or block doors, and silence your phone.
Fight — As a last resort, be prepared to defend yourself.Avoid crowds, move away from danger, and help others if it is safe to do so.
Resources
- Ready.gov Terrorism: https://www.ready.gov/terrorism
- DHS See Something, Say Something: https://www.dhs.gov/see-something-say-something
- Indiana Intelligence Fusion Center: https://www.in.gov/iifc/