Indiana Department of Homeland Security

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is five times more common among first responders than in the general population. If you're experiencing ongoing stress, fear, or flashbacks, it's important to seek help.

In the second installment (https://youtu.be/FRBzGVnrYuk?si=kwVaqI4_jhZMrX6Q) of "When the Smoke Clears," we explore the progress in addressing mental health within the first responder community. Are open-door policies truly in place? Are firefighters and EMS personnel feeling more comfortable reaching out for help?

Remember, it's okay not to be okay, and support is available. Learn more and watch the full episode at on.in.gov/behavioral-health.
***dePreventionMonth

When the Smoke Clears: Episode 2 In the first segment of “When the Smoke Clears,” a video series focusing on mental health concerns of first responders, the expert panel discussed the status...

A huge shoutout to all who attended the Side-by-Side Burn Demo at Indiana State University. Your participation helps spread awareness about the importance of fire sprinklers and campus fire safety. Together, we can prevent tragedies and ensure a safer environment for everyone. A special thank you to Terre Haute Fire Department and the Illinois State Fire Marshal for partnering with us on this event! Stay vigilant and keep spreading the word!

The trailer is getting set up and we are getting ready to start at 1 p.m. on Wolf Field at Indiana State University. Come see the importance of sprinklers firsthand!

One of the most important lessons a parent can teach a child is how & when to call 911. Check out these tips to help your child feel comfortable about calling for help ↓

Got ? Whether your company has got it or they're thinking about it, be sure to check out our latest to learn more about a that's from the ! https://www.in.gov/cybersecurity/blog/posts/cyber-insurance-toolkit-free-resource-for-making-sense-of-tech-driven-risks,-liabilities/

Currently 10 counties in southern Indiana (Daviess, Dubois, Gibson, Martin, Orange, Posey, Spencer, Vanderburgh and Warrick ) have issued burn bans. 🌲🔥

During a burn ban:
👉 Follow restrictions set by local fire chiefs or municipalities.
👉 No outdoor burning activities unless specified.
👉 Reach out to your County's Emergency Management Agency for questions on your county's burn ban status.

IDHS maintains a statewide burn ban map that is regularly updated when an EMA issues a ban. View current conditions at in.gov/dhs/burnban

Teach children what to do in an emergency. Make sure they know their full name, address and phone number. Practice emergency scenarios with them.
To learn more, visit getprepared.in.gov

Happy harvest, Hoosiers! Farmers across the state are beginning to harvest this year's crop which means you are more likely to meet large farm equipment on rural roads and highways. 🚜⚠️

🔎 Find a list of safety tips to ensure you know how to safely navigate around farm equipment this → https://bit.ly/3zbc10j

Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch | Hoosier Ag Today | Indiana State Police | Indiana Department of Transportation | Indiana Department of Homeland Security|

Tomorrow is the Day! Don't miss the Side-by-Side Burn Demo happening on Sept. 12 at Indiana State University. Witness the life-saving difference a fire sprinkler can make as we set two identical living rooms ablaze—one with a sprinkler and one without. This powerful demonstration could be the knowledge that saves lives. Be there to see fire safety in action!

📍 Wolf Field, 301 Chestnut St., Indiana State University
🗓️ Sept. 12 at 1 p.m.

When choosing off-campus housing, look for places with interconnected smoke alarms. If one sounds, they all do, giving you more time to escape safely. Safety first!
To learn more, visit getprepared.in.gov

Text messages and social media can be more reliable than calls during an emergency. Ensure everyone in your family knows how to use these tools effectively.

To learn more, visit getprepared.in.gov

Identify at least two meeting places in your emergency communications plan: one near your home and one outside your neighborhood, in case you need to evacuate.

To learn more, visit getprepared.in.gov

🔥 Today marks the beginning of the IAFF's ***dePrevention Stand Down week.

Take a moment to review our toolkit – remember you have the power to make a difference and potentially save a life.

www.iaff.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2024-Su***de-Prevention-Stand-Down-FINAL.pdf

Create a list of family members, friends, and local emergency numbers. Include both cell phone and landline numbers if possible.

To start a family communication plan today go to on.in.gov/make-plan where there fillable pdfs and print-outs

A good communication plan includes contact information, meeting places and emergency services contacts. Make sure everyone knows the plan.

To learn more, visit getprepared.in.gov

Clear communication can save lives in an emergency. This week, we’ll cover how to create a communication plan for your family.
To learn more, visit getprepared.in.gov

Don’t forget your furry friends! Include pet food, water, medications and a favorite toy or blanket to comfort them during an emergency.
To learn more, visit getprepared.in.gov

👏👏👏 Mobile Integrated Health is expanding across the state and we are so proud of not just Bloomington's amazing team, but all the hard working MIH workers in Indiana. We recorded a podcast last year with this team and are so excited to see them continue to grow. If you would like to learn more about MIH and how you can bring Mobile Integrated Health to your community go to on.in.gov/MIH

Exciting news! City of Bloomington, IN - Fire Department has been awarded a $75,000 grant from Indiana Department of Homeland Security to expand our Mobile Integrated Healthcare (MIH) program! This grant will fund a new vehicle for our Community EMTs, a Utility Terrain Vehicle for special events, and additional medical equipment to enhance patient care. It's all about bringing proactive, compassionate healthcare directly to our neighbors, especially those who need it most.

The Bloomington Fire Department's Mobile Integrated Healthcare program is designed to fill gaps in the local healthcare system by providing non-emergency care directly to patients in their homes or communities. The program focuses on reducing unnecessary emergency room visits and hospital readmissions, particularly for patients with chronic conditions. The MIH team, which includes Community EMTs, works to manage patients' health and reducing the burden on emergency services.

Ensure your dorm or off-campus housing has a working sprinkler system. Sprinklers save lives by controlling or extinguishing fires before they spread. Don’t settle for less when it comes to your safety! 🚒

To learn more fire safety tips visit getprepared.in.gov

Check and update your emergency kit every six months. Replace expired items and adjust for any changes in your family’s needs.


To learn more, visit getprepared.in.gov

Join us in one week for the Side-by-Side Burn Demo at Indiana State University! On Sept. 12 at 1 p.m., come witness a live demonstration showing the critical difference a fire sprinkler can make.

We’ll set two identical living rooms on fire—one protected by a sprinkler and one without. This eye-opening event will show just how quickly a fire can spread and why fire safety is so important. Mark your calendars and be there!

📍 Wolf Field, 301 Chestnut St., Indiana State University

🗓️ Sept. 12 at 1 p.m.

Store copies of important documents like IDs, insurance policies and bank account records in a waterproof container. Digital copies on a secure flash drive are also a good idea.
To learn more, visit getprepared.in.gov

Keep a portable phone charger and a battery-powered or hand-crank radio. Communication and access to information are critical during an emergency.
To learn more, visit getprepared.in.gov

A comprehensive first aid kit should include bandages, antiseptics, gauze, tweezers and medical tape. Familiarize yourself with basic first aid procedures.
To learn more, visit getprepared.in.gov

🚨 Attention Emergency Responders! 🚨**

The 2024 Indiana Emergency Response Conference that is dedicated to Fire & EMS Leadership is coming up next month.

📅 Date: October 2-5, 2024
📍 Location: Embassy Suites by Hilton Noblesville Indianapolis Conference Center, 13700 Conference Drive, South, Noblesville, IN 46060

This is your chance to connect with leaders in the field, gain insights, and enhance your skills. Don't miss out on securing your spot—**hotel room block reservations have been extended to September 6, 2024, at 5:00 p.m.**

🔗 Register at http://IndianaERC.com

Did you know that first responders are more likely to die by su***de than in the line of duty? It's crucial to be aware of the signs of depression, PTSD, and suicidal ideation. Look out for yourself and your coworkers. The IDHS First Responder Su***de Prevention Training is available online to help you recognize the symptoms and act. Take the course on the Acadis Portal today.

And while you're focusing on mental health, don't miss the first episode of our series "When the Smoke Clears," where we dive deep into the state of mental health in the firehouse. Watch now to learn how you can make a difference. https://youtu.be/lMI0O15LYJc?si=TTKEPS3N6eY16-ZA

To learn more, visit on.in.gov/behavioral-health.
***dePreventionMonth

When the Smoke Clears: Episode 1 Firefighter/first responder mental health is a rising topic across the state as crews continue to see teammates struggle with the negative mental health impa...

Pack a change of clothes, sturdy shoes and sleeping bags or blankets for each family member. Layered clothing can be particularly useful in varying weather conditions.
To learn more, visit getprepared.in.gov