September is National Preparedness Month, which is a good time for Hoosier families to review their emergency plans and make sure they are ready for severe weather and other emergencies.
Recent storms across Indiana have shown how quickly conditions can change and how damaging storms can be. Severe weather in August brought catastrophic winds, tornadoes, large hail and historic flooding to communities across the state. More than 300,000 power outages were reported at the height of the storm, and some areas received 6 to 9 inches of rain.
While we cannot always predict when severe weather will strike, we can take steps now to be better prepared. The Indiana Department of Homeland Security encourages Hoosiers to make a plan, stay informed, build a disaster kit and learn emergency skills. Families should discuss how they will communicate, where they will go if they need to evacuate and how they will receive important information.
A basic disaster kit should include essentials such as water, nonperishable food, a first-aid kit, a flashlight, batteries and a battery-powered or hand-crank radio. Hoosiers should also sign up for local emergency alerts, monitor weather conditions and review their insurance coverage so they know where to turn and what is covered when severe weather strikes.
For those who were affected by the recent August storms and flooding, Indiana has established resources to help with recovery. Residents in impacted counties can find information about FEMA assistance, the State Disaster Relief Fund, Indiana 211, temporary housing and other recovery resources through IDHS' August 2026 Disaster Information Hub.
Indiana 211 is also available to help residents find resources in their communities, including food, clothing, shelter, debris removal and other services. Residents can call 211 or 866-211-9966 to connect with available resources.
The best time to prepare for an emergency is before one happens. I encourage families throughout House District 51 and across Indiana to take time to make a plan, gather emergency supplies and learn where to turn for reliable information. My office is also available to help constituents connect with state resources. You can contact me at 317-232-9736 or visit in.gov/h51.
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State Rep. Tony Isa (R-Angola) represents House District 51,
which includes all of LaGrange County and a portion of Steuben County.
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