The Indiana Department of Homeland Security and the National Weather Service have partnered to celebrate Lightning Safety Awareness Week in the state, June 18-24. The week is designed to have Hoosiers have a better understanding of the dangers of lightning. Continue reading
Stay Safe While Using Fireworks This Summer
As the Fourth of July approaches, so does the season for firework-related injuries, according to the Indiana Department of Homeland Security. Last year, over 70 percent of firework-related injuries occurred during the first week of July.
State Fire Marshal Stresses Fireworks Purchase Safety
Independence Day is less than a month away, and the Indiana State Fire Marshal is reminding Hoosiers about safe and legal ways to purchase fireworks. Continue reading
State Officials Gathering Data From Recent Storm Damage
State officials want to hear from homeowners, renters, businesses and private nonprofit organizations that sustained uninsured damage from the recent severe storms and flooding. Continue reading
Don’t Let Valentine’s Day Spark End with Fire Department’s Arrival
Soft candlelight and a glowing fireplace can help set a romantic mood for a Valentine’s Day celebration, but it can quickly be dashed if the flames get out of hand and the fire department has to respond.
The U.S. Fire Administration says 84 percent of home heating fires are confined, such as those which occur in the fireplace or chimney. Indiana State Fire Marshal Jim Greeson says the fireplace should never be left unattended, and small children or pets need to be supervised around open flames. Continue reading
Stay Safe During the Holiday Season
Don’t leave yourself vulnerable to the Grinch or other Christmas thieves by sharing too much information on social media about your holiday plans. That advice comes from the Indiana Department of Homeland Security. Spokesman John Erickson says posting information about extended vacations could make you a target for burglars. He also cautions against telling strangers what you will be doing. Continue reading
IDHS Offers Safety Tips for Online, In-Person Shoppers
Holiday shoppers heading to the stores or hitting the internet are urged to keep some safety precautions in mind. The Indiana Department of Homeland Security warns thieves can easily gain access to bank account and personal information from online shoppers. You can read here how your antivirus could also be spying on you and your online activity.
State Fire Marshal Shares Tips for Home Heating Safety
The most wonderful time of the year can also be one of the most dangerous if proper precautions are not taken to safely heat homes as temperatures drop.
Indiana State Fire Marshal Jim Greeson says home fires occur more often in winter than in any other season, and alternative heating sources, such as space heaters, are involved in roughly one out of every six of those fires. Continue reading
Culver Schools Schedule Cyber Safety Presentations
Students at the Culver Community Schools Corporation are learning how to keep themselves safe online. Elementary School Principal Erin Proskey told the school board Monday that a member of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force is giving presentations to students at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. Continue reading
Stay Safe When Buying and Using Fireworks
If your Independence Day celebrations include the use of fireworks, the Indiana State Fire Marshal has a few tips for keeping yourself safe. Continue reading
Stay Safe During Warm Weather
High temperatures are predicted for the next several days, and that means an increase in the risk for heat-related illnesses. Continue reading
Grants Again Available for Storm Shelter Construction
Hoosiers looking to install a storm shelter at their home have another chance to get some help paying for it. A misunderstanding about the terms of the grant has led the Indiana Department of Homeland Security to reopen the application period. Continue reading
Statewide Tornado Drill Set for Today
Indiana residents are encouraged to take a few minutes today to make sure they know what to do in case a tornado strikes. Officials are planning statewide tornado drills this morning and again this evening. Continue reading
Starke County EMA to Distribute Weather Radios
A potentially life-saving piece of technology will be available for free to Starke County residents. The Starke County Emergency Management Agency is distributing all-hazard weather radios, thanks to help from the Indiana Department of Homeland Security. Continue reading
Prepare for Spring Floods During Flood Safety Awareness Week
The Indiana Department of Homeland Security is urging residents this week to plan ahead for potential floods, in recognition of Flood Safety Awareness Week.
Continue readingReminder: ‘Spring Ahead’ Tonight
Remember to turn your clocks ahead an hour before going to bed tonight. Daylight Saving Time starts tomorrow morning at 2:00. Continue reading
IDHS Helps Equip Hoosiers with Weather Radios
Hoosiers have the chance to get a free all-hazard weather radio. The Indiana Department of Homeland Security is partnering with each county in the state to give away more than 4,800 of them. Continue reading
Travel Restrictions Eased in Many Areas
Road conditions are improving significantly now that the storm system that dropped several inches of snow has moved through the area. All of the red level travel warnings have been lifted. That means travel is no longer restricted to emergencies only. Continue reading
Stay Safe When Winter Weather Hits
Significant amounts of snow are in the forecast. Officials with the Indiana Department of Homeland Security and Indiana State Police recommend avoiding unnecessary travel once the snow starts. If you do have to go out, make sure your cell phone is fully charged. Have a vehicle emergency kit, non-perishable food and bottles of water in your car. Top off your gas tank so you will have ample fuel to stay warm should you get stranded. Continue reading
Indiana Public Safety Officials Aiding With Baltimore Snow Response
An Indiana Department of Homeland Security emergency management team is en route to Maryland to assist Baltimore officials with their severe weather response. The city is still working to dig out from the weekend blizzard. The state of emergency declared Friday by Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan is in effect until further notice. Continue reading
