Ready for what Indiana actually throws at you.
Tornado Alley's eastern reach, catastrophic Ohio River flooding, severe ice storms, and a New Madrid fault line under the southwestern corner of the state.
About this guide
Indiana is often overlooked in national disaster conversations, but it sits at the intersection of serious hazard corridors. The state averages 22 tornadoes per year — the April 3, 1974 Super Outbreak tore through the state and produced the devastating Xenia-adjacent Sayler Park and Monticello tornadoes. The Ohio River defines Indiana's southern border and floods regularly — the 1937 flood remains one of the worst in US history. Lake-effect snow from Lake Michigan buries the northwestern corner of the state annually. A New Madrid Seismic Zone event would hit southwestern Indiana hard. Preparation in Indiana is straightforward — the hazards are well-documented and the warning systems are reliable — but you have to be paying attention.
Local self-reliance starts with knowing your place.
Quick facts
Top hazards: Tornadoes, Flooding, Lake-Effect Snow & Blizzards
IN has expanded Medicaid — adults up to 138% FPL may qualify
USDA hardiness zones: 5b (north / South Bend area) to 6b (south / Evansville area)
Unemployment: up to $390/week for 26 weeks
Free or low-cost soil testing available through the state extension service
Seven topics, one state
Each section focuses on one question. Find what you need without wading through what you don't.
Official maps and tools for flood, fire, earthquake, water, dam, river, and local hazard awareness.
Am I at risk? →
Find nearby courses, extension programs, and emergency training that build practical skills.
Where do I learn? →
Connect with local gatherings, neighbor-help efforts, civic groups, and community support networks.
What's happening near me? →
Find official alerts, emergency agencies, trauma centers, and crisis-response information near you.
Who do I call? →
Use local frost dates, planting zones, soil data, extension calendars, and composting guidance.
What can I grow? →
Find food, utility, health, unemployment, and 211 resources before hardship becomes crisis.
Where can I find help? →
Find your county transit provider, demand-response ride service, and carpool matching options.
How do I get around? →
Simple step-by-step preparedness checklists for your home, family, garden, documents, and local risks.
What do I do next? →
Get specific
Enter your ZIP code to see real-time weather alerts, drought conditions, FEMA disaster declarations, and county-level resources.
Next steps
Know your risks
Flood zones, hazard maps, and the IN risks that apply to your county.
Local Risk ReadinessBuild the basics
The universal first step — before you personalize, get the 72-hour foundation in place.
First 72 Hours