The season is changing and now is the time to prepare for the potential for severe weather.
The Indiana Department of Homeland Security recommends maintaining a preparedness kit. If you have one assembled, take this opportunity to check on foods and other items in the kit to see what things might need to be replaced.
Fourth of July weekend is always full of fun with friends, family and fireworks. There are certain precautions to take to assure a safe time for everyone. The Indiana Department of Homeland Security offers a few tips to take into consideration whenever using fireworks.
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Don’t let a visit to the county fair end with a trip to the emergency room. The Indiana Department of Homeland Security warns that inclement weather can strike quickly. All fairgoers are urged to check forecasts and keep an eye on the sky. Should a storm blow in, know where to go to stay safe and dry until it passes. Continue reading
Monetary assistance is the best way to help victims of the Oklahoma tornado. That’s the advice of officials with the Indiana Department of Homeland Security and the Indiana Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters are advising Hoosiers about how to help Oklahoma citizens in need. The destruction in Oklahoma City has left communities in need of hands-on help and donations. Volunteers play a vital part in disaster recovery. However, Indiana VOAD President Chris Gilbert says, “Well-meaning individuals who simply show up to help without coordinating with disaster management personnel can complicate or even hinder response and recovery operations already underway. Become part of a coordinated effort.”
If you sustain flood damage at any time between April 17-22, report that damage to the Indiana Department of Homeland Security. A report form can be found online at in.gov/dhs.
If you do not have internet access, contact a friend, family member or neighbor for assistance. Web access is also available at your local library. If none of those options are available, you may also contact your county emergency management agency to report damage.
The Boston Marathon explosions have prompted first responders in Indiana to train if such an event were to happen on local soil.
Training was held Tuesday and will continue Wednesday and will entail how to react to the aftermath of an explosion similar to the incident at the marathon.
The National Weather Service, Indiana State Police, Indiana Department of Transportation, and Indiana Department of Homeland Security are encouraging Hoosiers to get ready for potential flooding during Flood Safety Awareness Week, March 18-22.
The Indiana Department of Homeland Security District Two will be holding a two-day training exercise today and Tuesday at the Pulaski County Fairgrounds.
This will be a Service and Support Field Operations Exercise to better enhance the District Two Task Force.
Emergency responders will be setting up tents, generators and other equipment to get an idea of what everyone has or will need in case of a specific crisis. The task force is responsible for having food, shelter, and housing available to those who need it at a given response site. Electrical, safety, communications and security experts will come together to coordinate efforts.
District Two covers Elkhart, Fulton, Marshall, Kosciusko, Pulaski, Starke and St. Joseph Counties.
The Indiana Department of Homeland Security District Two Response Task Force will participate in coordinated effort on Wednesday, April 25th at the Muscatatuck Urban Training Center in Butlerville, Indiana.
The State Level Exercise 2012 Tornado Alley will bring together the efforts of firefighters, emergency medical services personnel, emergency managers, law enforcement personnel and other local emergency response professionals from Elkhart, Fulton, Kosciusko, Marshall, Starke and St. Joseph Counties. Pulaski County officials will be deploying the Tactical Rescue Team and Service and Support Element.
The largest ever Indiana exercise and the first ever national level exercise designed around a natural disaster was held last week. Starke County EMA Director, Ted Bombagetti and Pulaski County Chief Deputy Sheriff, Ron Patrick, who is the District Two Task Force Commander for the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, were involved in the exercise that took place at the Muscatatuck Urban Training Center. Pulaski County Sheriff, Michael Gayer, attended the training and he talks about the training center in Jennings County:
The Indiana Department of Homeland Security has announced that 10 commanders are now in place to continue development of the regional emergency response task forces evolving into a statewide network of emergency support.
Ron Patrick, Chief Deputy of the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department, has been named as the Task Force Commander for District 2. The commanders are responsible for overseeing daily administrative operations, and recruiting resources to establish and expand the capabilities of the task force they oversee.
With accumulating amounts of snow predicted to begin falling this evening, Indiana Department of Homeland Security and Indiana State Police officials are encouraging Hoosiers to prepare by having a few supplies available and consulting the State Travel Advisory Map before venturing onto roadways.
“As with any severe weather event, it’s always a good idea to gather a few essential supplies in case utilities are disrupted,” says IDHS Executive Director Joe Wainscott. “Know where your flashlight and extra batteries are in case of a power outage, and have a 3 day supply of food and water available in case you are unable to leave home for a few days.”
