Purdue Extension is taking steps to help strengthen emergency response in rural counties when fire and rescue crews are dispatched to accidents or disasters by launching the Purdue Rural Emergency Preparedness program. IN-PREP is a statewide initiative to assist rural communities during a natural or man-made incident. “Historically, volunteer first responders in rural areas had familiarity or some level of agricultural background. Now we see many first-responders don’t have that background or the necessary ag specific training, and it can be overwhelming when they respond to emergencies at a farm or in a rural area,” said Shawn Ehlers, assistant professor of agricultural and biological engineering and IN-PREP program leader.