Experts urge disaster readiness

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - As hurricane cleanups continue on the east coast, emergency experts in the Wabash Valley say the images of destruction offer a clear lesson for local families: be prepared.

That preparation is especially important as winter draws near, they said.

“People need to look at emergencies or emergency preparedness as a blanket thing,” said J.D. Kesler of the Vigo County Emergency Management Agency. “If you’re prepared for winter weather … you’re pretty much prepared for flooding, earthquake. A lot of the basics are the same.”

At the very least, Kesler said families and individuals need to have enough supplies to last them through 72 hours of a disaster. Those supplies include bottled water, non-perishable food and canned goods, needed medication, flashlights, batteries and weather radios.

Kesler also recommends keeping a small-scale generator that can power a few basic household products.

“The longer you’re prepared to take care of yourself, number one, the less concern or the less fear you have,” Kesler said. “In addition, you free up assets to be able to respond to someone else who may not be as able as you are to be prepared.”

To view a more extensive list of items needed for an emergency, click here .