Severe weather week aims to prep Hoosiers for severe storms

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Indiana officials are urging Indiana residents to once again prepare themselves for severe weather as the turbulent spring weather season nears.

Sunday is the start of Indiana's annual Severe Weather Preparedness Week, a reminder that spring and early summer bring the threat of severe thunderstorms, tornadoes and flooding.

A statewide tornado drill that's planned for 10:15 a.m. Tuesday is part of the week's events.

The Indiana Department of Homeland Security is also encouraging Hoosiers to identify shelters, practice emergency plans and assemble a disaster preparedness kit.

Such kits should include food and water for three days, with one gallon per person per day, a flashlight, a first-aid kit, and other recommended items .

Agency spokesman David Hosick says that planning ahead "can help minimize weather-related deaths, injuries and property damage."