Presentations offer information on emergency preparedness

In a world where natural disasters and emergencies are increasingly frequent, preparing for the unexpected is crucial. That’s where CrisisReady Howard County comes in, a new initiative launched this year with one simple, yet powerful objective: to teach individuals and households how to prepare for disasters, one topic at a time.

Each month, CrisisReady will offer free presentations to educate residents on a new aspect of emergency preparedness that include topic-related supplies to stock emergency kits and informational handouts.

So far, CrisisReady has covered why it’s essential to have a disaster plan in place and the basics of creating a plan in January, and practical tips for selecting, storing, and maintaining enough food and water supplies for households in February.

Next month, CrisisReady will tackle emergency supply kits and go-bags, including recommended items and storage tips. To make the education accessible, events will be held throughout the county on the following dates:

Greentown: Century Villa’s Community Room – March 6 at 6:30 p.m.

Kokomo Howard County Public Library, Meeting Rooms A & B – March 13 at 5:30 p.m.

Russiaville Lions Club – March 19 at 6:30 p.m.

Preparing for disasters includes knowing lifesaving first aid skills, which is why CrisisReady Howard County has partnered with a variety of organizations to make first aid training more accessible to the public. Topics included in the rotation are Stop the Bleed, CPR (certified and hands-only), Narcan administration, and QPR. These courses aim to arm local citizens with skills to “Be the Help until Help Arrives;” skills that can save lives in the critical moments before professional responders arrive.

March’s first aid training is QPR Suicide Prevention, an essential skill for anyone looking to support loved ones in crisis. QPR stands for Question, Persuade, Refer — three lifesaving steps that can help prevent suicide. This training will take place separately from the monthly presentation on March 13 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Kokomo-Howard Public Library Main Branch, meeting rooms A & B. 4C Health is providing this training for free.

The CrisisReady program has proven invaluable to the community already, with many residents learning lifesaving skills. Residents interested in attending future sessions can check the Howard County Health Department’s social media pages (Facebook, Instagram, and X), as well as the Kokomo Visitors Bureau Community Calendar at VisitKokomo.org.

Register to join the growing community of prepared and empowered individuals who are ready to respond to any crisis with knowledge, skill, and compassion at https://form.jotform.com/243396494921164. Registration is not required, but preferred.