This is "Severe Weather Awareness Week," which Iowa Emergency Management Division spokesman, Bret Voorhees, says is a time to plan ahead. Voorhees says severe weather is the most common hazard faced in Iowa and you should plan ahead so you know where to go for proper shelter during severe weather. He says families should also put together a communication plan, so there’s no confusion about how to get ahold of each other.
Voorhees says you should have a preparedness kit and the needed supplies in case of an emergency.Voorhees says you need to be able to take care of yourself and family for 48 to 72 hours. He says that includes planning for having enough medication, knowing who is going to pick up the kids, just being ready for a catastrophic type of event. Voorhees says the storms this winter show the need for planning at any time of the year.
Voorhees says the blizzard and ice storm should be a reminder of the importance of being prepared to take care of yourself and family for a couple of days. Voorhees says there’s plenty of information available on-line to help you plan. Voorhees says the website: bereadyiowa.org , tells you how to put a communication plan together and plan.
The Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management is holding a free, random drawing for weather radios on the website as part of the week’s activities. The annual statewide tornado drill for Severe Weather Awareness week is set for Wednesday at 10:10 A.M.