This week marks Severe Weather Awareness Week in Iowa, and emergency officials are urging residents to review their preparation plans before spring storms arrive.
The Buena Vista County Emergency Management Agency is joining the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, the National Weather Service, and the Iowa Emergency Management Association in highlighting severe‑weather preparedness March 23-27.
Each day of the week focuses on a different hazard common to Iowa’s spring and summer storm season. Today centers on lightning safety. Tuesday highlights tornado preparedness. Wednesday focuses on general readiness, including having emergency kits and communication plans. Thursday turns attention to hail and damaging winds. Friday wraps up the week with information on flood safety.
One of the key events locally is the statewide tornado drill scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday. Buena Vista County will activate all outdoor warning sirens at that time. Emergency officials say the drill is an ideal moment for families, businesses, and schools to practice where they would go and how they would respond if a real tornado warning were issued.
Buena Vista County Emergency Management says Severe Weather Awareness Week is also a good reminder to check weather radios, sign up for alerts, and make sure everyone in the household knows their safe location before storms arrive. Officials say preparation now can make a critical difference when severe weather strikes.
More information on severe‑weather planning is available at ready.iowa.gov, and residents can follow state and local emergency agency updates throughout the week using the hashtags #iawx, #SWAW, and #ReadyIA.
