I was the Vanderburgh County Sheriff in 2005 when the devastating tornado ripped through communities in southern Indiana and took the lives of 25 Hoosiers. I saw firsthand the devastation severe weather brings to the lives and communities it touches. There's no doubt proper planning helps save lives when severe weather strikes. So this page is designed to give you the tools you need to protect yourself and your family. Here you will find tips from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on staying safe during severe weather, suggestions on what to include in your disaster supply kit, and information about my work in Congress to keep our communities safe.  

PREPARING FOR SEVERE WEATHER AND NATURAL DISASTER
Preparation can be the key to surviving severe weather and natural disasters. Every family should have an emergency plan in place to respond to unforeseen events, including a planned meeting place, proper safety training, and an emergency supply kit. Follow the recommendations from NOAA below to make you and your family more prepared if severe weather strikes:

• Keep a list of emergency phone numbers in an easily accessible place such as the refrigerator door, and your emergency supply kit. Teach your children when and how to dial 911.
  
• It's a good idea to have a disaster supply kit ready should you need to evacuate during an emergency. The kit should include: a 3-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day) and food that won't spoil, one change of clothing and footwear per person, one blanket or sleeping bag per person, a first aid kit, including prescription medicines, emergency tools, including a battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio and a portable radio, flashlight, and plenty of extra batteries, an extra set of car keys, a credit card or cash, and special items for infant, elderly, or disabled family members. For more ideas, please visit the Red Cross website.
  
• Learn CPR and basic first aid. The Red Cross currently provides classes to become certified in CPR. To find a class near you, click here.
  
• Incorporate the severe weather safety tips into your emergency plan, and be sure to practice the plan with your children.

NOAA SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY TIPS

Lightning & Thunderstorm Tips

• Postpone outdoor activities if thunderstorms are imminent. This is your best way to avoid being caught in a dangerous situation.
  
• Move to a sturdy building or car. Do not take shelter in small sheds, under isolated trees, or in convertible automobiles. Stay away from tall objects such as towers, fences, telephone poles, and power lines.
  
• If lightning is occurring and a sturdy shelter is not available, get inside a hard top automobile and keep the windows up. Avoid touching any metal.
  
• Utility lines and metal pipes can conduct electricity. Unplug appliances not necessary for obtaining weather information. Avoid using the telephone or any electrical appliances. Use phones ONLY in an emergency.
  
• Do not take a bath or shower during a thunderstorm.
  
• Turn off air conditioners. Power surges from lightning can cause serious damage.

Tornado Tips

• In a home or building, move to a pre-designated shelter, such as a basement.
  
• If an underground shelter is not available, move to a small interior room or hallway on the lowest floor and get under a sturdy piece of furniture. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside.
  
• Stay away from windows.
  
• Get out of automobiles.
  
• Do not try to outrun a tornado in your car; instead, leave it immediately for safe shelter.
  
• If caught outside or in a vehicle, lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands.
  
• Be aware of flying debris. Flying debris from tornadoes causes most fatalities and injuries.
  
• Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes. You should leave a mobile home and go to the lowest floor of a sturdy nearby building or a storm shelter.

Flash Flood Tips

• Avoid walking, swimming, or driving in flood waters.
  
• Stay away from high water, storm drains, ditches, ravines, or culverts. If it is moving swiftly, even water six inches deep can knock you off your feet.
  
• If you come upon flood waters, stop, turn around, and go another way.
• Climb to higher ground.
  
• Do not let children play near storm drains.

RED CROSS SAFETY TIPS

Earthquake Tips

• Eliminate hazards by bolting bookcases, china cabinets, and other tall furniture to wall studs; installing strong latches on cupboards; and strapping the water heater to wall studs.
  
• When the shaking begins, "Drop, Cover, and Hold On." Stay away from windows.
  
• After the shaking stops, check yourself and others for injuries, look for and extinguish small fires, expect aftershocks, inspect your home for damages and evacuate everyone if it is unsafe, and only use the phone to report life-threatening emergencies.
  

What I am doing in Congress

CJ's Bill
As the Sheriff of Vanderburgh County during the 2005 tornado I saw firsthand the destruction severe weather does to the lives and communities it touches. I believe that many of the deaths and injuries that result from these kinds of storms can be prevented with adequate preparation and a little warning.

That's why I introduced CJ's Home Protection Act last year. The bill is named after CJ Martin, a three-year-old victim of the 2005 tornado, and requires all new manufactured homes to come equipped with a NOAA weather radio.  Like a fire alarm, these affordable devices can provide critical warnings that allow families to take action and protect themselves.

The bill passed the House last year and is currently being considered in the Senate. I hope the Senate will take action to pass this common sense, cost-effective legislation to protect our families and communities from severe weather.

Funding to Protect Our Communities
I was proud to secure $126,900 for Vanderburgh County to install nine outdoor emergency warning sirens, and $267,900 to implement an emergency telephone warning system (also known as Reverse 911). These funds will strengthen Vanderburgh County's warning system and help ensure people in our community can take action to protect themselves during severe weather and other emergencies.

In Terre Haute, I was also successful in securing $719,000 in federal funding to upgrade communications equipment for emergency personnel. These funds will improve coordination between emergency personnel, resulting in a more effective, safer response during emergencies.