Severe Weather Awareness Week is March 28-April 1

The Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division and the National Weather Service have designated March 28 - April 1 as Severe Weather Awareness Week. During that week a voluntary statewide tornado drill is planned for Wednesday, March 30. The exercise will consist of a tornado watch being issued around 10:20 a.m., followed by a warning, and a

notification of the end of the drill at around 10:30 a.m. If severe weather threatens Wednesday the test will be delayed until Thursday.

State and local emergency management officials, along with the National Weather Service, stress the continued need and importance of education and preparedness for severe weather that may affect Iowans. Citizens should remember that a little planning can prevent unnecessary panic and confusion if a severe storm or tornado does strike. Citizens should learn the warning signals used for their community and put together an emergency storm kit that includes candles, matches, a transistor radio, flashlight and batteries, and simple first aid items in a waterproof container.

Citizens may consider taking community action by setting up a neighborhood information program through a club, church or community organization; holding briefings on safety procedures; or setting up a system to make sure senior citizens and shut-ins are alerted in the event of severe weather.

For more information about severe weather preparedness, citizens should contact their local emergency management coordinator at 563-586-2996 or the Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division at 515-281-3231 or visit www.iowahomelandsecurity.org.

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