INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Department of Homeland Security is gauging Indiana citizens’ readiness for emergencies and disasters through a brief online survey. The outcomes of the survey will help the public safety community gain a greater understanding of how prepared Indiana residents are and how to help increase that preparedness.

If any service group, church or other organization in Kosciusko County would like a local speaker to talk about emergency preparedness contact Ed Rock, Kosciusko County Emergency Management, at (574) 267-7888.

The 10-minute online survey can be found on the IDHS website at www.in.gov/dhs under the “Featured Topics” section and clicking on “IDHS Citizen Preparedness Survey 2015.” All who participate can enter a contest to win a free all hazards/weather radio. The survey is open today and will stay open until Sept. 15.

The online survey is designed to emphasize the need for preparedness. September, which is National Preparedness Month, is a time when emergency management and other related partners specially emphasize being ready for an emergency or disaster. Messages during the month will seek to encourage all Hoosiers to take the necessary steps to ensure that their homes, workplaces and communities are prepared for disasters and emergencies of all kinds.

“Being ready for a major disaster is very important and the basics of a kit can be put together without a lot of effort or money,” said IDHS Director of Public Information John Erickson. “Having a preparedness kit can make the aftermath of an emergency or disaster easier for individuals and emergency responders. We hope that this survey will remind Hoosiers of the importance of being prepared and what they can do to improve their level of preparedness.”

The survey was last conducted in 2013. One of the most compelling findings then was that almost half of the households surveyed did not have three days’ worth of provisions on hand, even basic things like food and water, should a widespread emergency occur. Also concerning was that fifty-one percent of respondents unrealistically believed emergency personnel would be able to arrive at their residence within six hours of a widespread disaster. About 20 percent of those same respondents indicated they expected help at their residence within the first hour.

Erickson said asking Indiana residents how prepared they are for such a disaster is the key to understanding the needs of the population. This survey will help the IDHS gain a greater understanding of how to help educate Hoosiers about some simple, inexpensive actions they can take now that could make a significant difference should an emergency occur.

For more information on how to be ready for all type of emergencies, visit www.getprepared.in.gov.