Officials Urging Emergency Preparedness

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Health officials are urging Indiana residents to be prepared to survive natural disasters when they occur.

The Indiana State Department of Health says September is National Preparedness Month.

A national campaign called "America's PrepareAthon!" focuses on emergency drills, group discussions and exercises, such as setting up safe places for family members to meet in the event of a natural disaster such as a tornado outbreak.

Officials say people should be prepared to go three days without electricity, water service, access to a supermarket or assistance from police, fire or rescue crews.

Individuals also are urged to be aware of the types of emergencies that could happen in their community and make a plan for coping with them.