Hamilton County Emergency Management ready to assist you during Severe Weather Preparedness Week
Severe Weather Preparedness Week in central Indiana is set for March 9 to 15. Throughout the week, Hamilton County Emergency Management (HCEM) will encourage residents to prepare for the upcoming severe weather season.
Leading into Severe Weather Preparedness Week, HCEM plays host to the National Weather Service’s Storm Spotter training. This year’s event will be held virtually.
Knecht
“Good news! You can receive this valuable and timely training from the comfort of your own office or home,” HCEM Executive Director Chad Knecht said. “With the transition to a virtual training session, please make sure that you register with a valid email address to which you can receive the presentation link.”
Click here to register for the training.
Each day of Severe Weather Preparedness Week will highlight a unique topic aimed at helping residents be prepared. Stay connected with HCEM on X, Instagram, Facebook, and NextDoor, where they will share updates throughout the week regarding each subject.
- Sunday – General awareness of severe weather
- Monday – Severe Weather Outlooks and Watches
- Tuesday – Watches vs. Warnings; Statewide Tornado drill will sound the sirens at approximately 10:15 a.m.
- Wednesday – Response to a severe storm
- Thursday – Recovery from a severe storm
- Friday – Hamilton County is a part of Weather Ready Nation
- Saturday – Family planning for a severe storm
Graphic provided
Being prepared involves having a solid plan, creating an emergency kit, and staying informed. HCEM advises residents to develop a plan and communicate it with everyone in the household. It’s important to identify a safe area in your home, understand when to go there, and know how to determine when it’s safe to leave that area. Don’t forget to include your pets in your preparations.
When crafting your plan, consider any mobility, hearing, learning, or vision challenges. Assembling a kit can be a fun family activity, ensuring that your safe space is stocked with essentials like flashlights, water, food, a battery-operated radio, and some entertainment.
HCEM will participate in the statewide tornado drill on Tuesday, March 11, and test the sirens at approximately 10:15 a.m. that morning. Beginning that week, the sirens will be tested each Friday at 11 a.m. until the end of October. To avoid confusion or concern, sirens are not tested on days when storms are threatening.
HCEM reminds everyone that the sirens are for outdoor warning. They are not intended to warn you inside your home. They also suggest that every household should have at least one weather radio to receive timely updates. Additionally, HCEM provides an app that delivers important weather information.
HCEM is giving away a free weather radio. Click here to enter to win and share what you have done to prepare for severe weather. Winners will be contacted by email on Monday, March 17.
HCEM is eager to engage with your group, HOA, or place of worship to discuss the potential emergencies that affect Hamilton County and how to be better prepared. If you’re interested in this free presentation, please reach out to Monica.Peterson@HamiltonCounty.in.gov.