With a great number of tornados sighted here and around the country in recent days, a number of residents were forced to act on impulsive decisions because they lacked emergency preparation.
Many families cannot confidently state that they are ready if a disaster strikes – both natural and man-made.
A grease fire could emerge while preparing meals, severe weather could knock out electricity during the middle of the night and homes can be flooded within hours causing homeowners to lose everything.
Are you ready if disaster strikes?
A Indianapolis organization, Indiana Self Defense, has specialized in helping the community for the past three years by preparing them for any unexpected curveballs life may throw. The retail store and education center sells products related to survival and emergency readiness.
Walt Brennan, the store’s owner who comes from a family of military men, said his family is fully prepared if disaster strikes. When a tornado ran through the Southport area some years ago, the Brennan family was equipped with water purification systems and seven-gallon containers of water stored around their home. The family continued to cook and clean as normal although they technically didn’t have electricity for a few days.
Training classes are held and taught by professionals for a hands-on experience that specializes in improving basic survival skills such as a land navigation class. He said that although having these necessary items are important, security for your family can be most important. Brennan recalled a story he was told by an officer that teaches one of the classes at his store.
“A few years ago Nike released a pair of shoes and the mall was full of people. He (the officer) was called to go out to the mall along with other officers in the city. Basically the mall opened at five in the morning for the shoes. Something malfunctioned with the doors and they didn’t unlock on time. These masses of people ripped through the doors and began trampling the officers and others in their way. This was over shoes so what would happen if these people were hungry,” he asked.
Having a kit prepared is important but so is securing those items. If a family has prepared themselves for an emergency and others have not, those who are lacking the essentials could cause chaos.
American Red Cross regional communications director Ann Gregson said that families can prepare for emergencies by being “Red Cross ready.” This phrase incorporates obtaining a kit, creating a plan and becoming informed.
“It is simply the supplies you will need if something happens,” said Gregson. “Think about if you were cut off and unable to leave your home or the fact that you may not be able to take money out of your bank account. Those are the types of things families should think about.”
The Ready Store is an online company that specializes in 72-hour kits and food storage and emergency items.
“For example, our Essential series is for the family who is just starting out and wants something to cover them in case of an emergency. It has your basic supplies of water in pouches, calorie bars, hand warmers, flashlights and first-aid supplies,” said Brandon Garrett, representative for the Ready Store.
Gregson says planning ahead “will give you that peace of mind if something does occur because you will already have enough stressors.”
The American Red Cross hosts 10 smartphone applications related to unexpected occurrences such as the shelter finder application that locates the nearest or protective housing unit.
Items to include in an emergency kit:
Copies of important documents and identification
Water (one gallon per person, per day)
Medications
Extra batteries
Cash
Flashlight
Non-perishable foods
Battery-powered radio
First aid kit
Cell phone chargers
Emergency contacts
Maps of the area
Sanitation items
Blankets
Source: American Red Cross
For more information on emergency preparedness, visit redcross.org. To learn more about the products of The Ready Store, visit thereadystore.com. Become involved locally with the Indiana Self Defense by visiting their Facebook page at IndySelfDefense.
