GARY, Indiana—Just days ahead of a severe winter storm forecast to impact several states and millions of people, a small group of Gary, Indiana, residents gathered to learn more about disaster and emergency preparedness.
Sister Alva Muhammad, who attends Mosque Maryam in Chicago and has a background in disaster preparedness training, and Sister Gabrielle 3X, of the Gary Study Group and owner of a freeze-dried food business, conducted a disaster preparedness education workshop on Jan. 20 at the Gary Public Library and Cultural Center.
Attendees received valuable information on food and water storage, items to include in a “go bag,” the importance of the first 72 hours after a disaster strikes and having enough supplies in your home to last a minimum of six months.
Participants also saw examples of canned, dehydrated, and freeze-dried foods, a go-bag and other valuable tools and items to have in case of a weather-related emergency.
They also received handouts containing information on supplies to have on hand and there was a discussion on the importance of gardening and growing your own food.
Sister Alva, who lives in Gary, explained that, to her knowledge, there had been no recent disaster preparedness presentations in the city, which is located approximately 35 miles from Chicago, and it is predominantly Black.
“We know that our community is the most vulnerable so we decided to jump in and present this information as we have been taught and to work and help our communities,” she said.
