IOWA NEWS: Gov. Reynolds designates March 25-29 as Severe Weather Awareness Week

DES MOINES – Wednesday, Gov. Kim Reynolds highlighted the importance of severe weather preparedness by issuing a proclamation recognizing Severe Weather Awareness Week.

'I have proclaimed March 25-29 as Severe Weather Awareness Week and urge everyone to take steps now to be prepared,” said Reynolds. 'There is no better reminder to Iowans of the importance of being prepared than the flooding we've already experienced along the Missouri River and in other parts of the state over the past two weeks, and the possibility of more flooding on the way.”

The annual statewide tornado drill took place Wednesday morning. Many schools, businesses, individuals, and state and local governments participated. In Jefferson County, the emergency sirens were sounded and emergency notifications were sent.

'The time to prepare is now,” said Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg. 'Make a plan in case you would need to evacuate, make sure family and friends with special needs have a plan, and know what you will do with your pets if you need to leave your home.”

'We have to be prepared not just for flooding, but for severe weather and tornadoes, as well,” said Joyce Flinn, director of the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. 'Iowans need to stay aware of the potential for severe weather and flooding in their communities and have a plan for what they will do and where they will go if the worst happens.”

Severe Weather Awareness Week is sponsored each year by the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, the Iowa Emergency Management Association, and the National Weather Service. This year, the Iowa Insurance Division is joining Severe Weather Awareness Week sponsors to highlight the importance of flood insurance and to encourage Iowans to learn what is and is not covered by their property insurance policies.

Each day this week a different subject is highlighted: Monday was severe thunderstorms; Tuesday was weather warnings; Wednesday was tornadoes; today is family preparedness; Friday is flash floods.

More information available

' Fact sheets about severe weather and family and individual preparedness, www.beready.iowa.gov and NWS websites

' National Flood Insurance Program www.fema.gov/national-flood-insurance-program

' Severe Weather Awareness Week and links to local NWS websites, www.beready.iowa.gov

' Iowa 2019 flooding www.floods2019.iowa.gov

' Follow HSEMD and NWS on social media using the hashtags #iawx, #ReadyIowa and #SWAW