Are you ready for severe weather? Severe Weather Awareness Week in Iowa is March 27 through 31, 2023, and is an opportunity to highlight the importance of being aware of — and prepared for — severe weather. This is an ideal time to review your household’s emergency plan, make an emergency kit, and sign up to receive alerts to stay weather aware.
Linn County is sharing preparedness information on our social media channels this week to help keep residents informed and prepared for severe weather and to understand the difference between weather watches and warnings.
As a reminder, outdoor warning sirens are only intended to reach people who are outdoors; the sirens are not meant to serve as a warning system for people inside homes or other buildings, especially as advances in building and window construction continually improve and limit the level of sound entering homes and businesses. The best preparedness plans include multiple weather warning notification systems, including weather radios, text and emails alerts, and contacting family members or neighbors
1. Make a plan.
Knowing what to do in the event of an emergency is key. Make sure everyone in your family knows the drill. Include your pets in your emergency plan.
2. Build a kit.
Your emergency supply kit should have everything you need to sustain you and your family for 3-5 days. Use a checklist to create your own kit.
3. Be aware.
Learn about the hazards that can affect your community and learn how to get information about current weather and road conditions. Sign up for Alert Iowa emergency notifications.
Learn More
For more information about severe weather preparedness, visit beready.iowa.gov.