DES MOINES, IOWA (March 27, 2019) — Today, Governor 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 Gov 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 will take place on Wednesday, March 27, beginning at 10AM. Schools, businesses, individuals, and state and local governments are strongly encouraged to participate. Additional information about the tornado drill can be found on local NWS websites.
“The time to prepare is now,” said Lieutenant Governor 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 (HSEMD), the Iowa Emergency Management Association (IEMA), and the National Weather Service (NWS). This year, the Iowa Insurance Division (IID) 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.
For each day this week a different subject will be highlighted:
Monday — Severe thunderstorms Tuesday — Weather warnings Wednesday — Tornadoes Thursday — Family preparedness Friday — Flash floods
Additional Information:
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
