The Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) and the National Weather Service (NWS) have joined together to promote Severe Weather Awareness Week, March 24-28, 2025.
“Iowa is familiar with extreme weather and flooding. Last year, we faced some of the worst weather in recent state history,” said HSEM Director John Benson. “It’s important that Iowans take the time now to prepare themselves and their families so they know what to do if severe weather is headed their way.”
Iowans are encouraged to take the following steps to be better prepared:
- Be aware of weather hazards by signing up for emergency notifications through Alert Iowa (alert.iowa.gov), enabling WEA alerts on your mobile phone, and having a weather radio.
- Create or check your emergency kitto make sure you have everything you need in case you have to shelter in place or evacuate.
- Practice what you would do in the event of severe weather and how you would take shelter or how you would evacuate.
- Check your insurance coverage on your home and auto and know what is and what is not covered.
- Take an inventory on paper or by picture of your home and keep it in your go bag or virtually in case you have to report damages.
- Learn more about how to be better prepared at ready.iowa.gov.
The NWS reminds us that hundreds of people are killed and thousands injured every year in the United States because of the weather. Dangerous weather can take many forms, ranging from violent tornadoes to crippling winter storms. With the notable exception of hurricanes, Iowa can experience any of these dangerous phenomena.
While there is nothing we can do to stop dangerous weather from affecting us, there are proactive decisions that can be taken to remain safe when the weather turns nasty. Weather safety and survival – no matter what the hazard – depends on the following key items:
- KNOW THE HAZARDS – Be aware of the hazards that you might face during a weather event.
- KNOW WHEN TO EXPECT DANGEROUS WEATHER – Monitor forecasts and information from your local National Weather Service Forecast Office.
- PAY ATTENTION – Be aware of all watches, warnings, and advisories affecting you.
- HAVE A PLAN TO STAY SAFE – Think about it before it happens and be ready to act to survive.
During Severe Weather Awareness Week, a different subject will be highlighted each day:
- Monday – Lightning Safety
- Tuesday – Tornado Safety
- Wednesday – Preparedness
- Thursday – Hail and Wind Safety
- Friday – Flood Safety
The annual statewide tornado drill will take place on Wednesday, March 26, beginning at 10 a.m. Additional information about the tornado drill can be found on local NWS websites.
NWS: Preparedness and Weather Safety
