Stay safe by being prepared

While snow and sun are both present during March in Iowa, true spring weather is around the corner. However, spring weather also means severe weather, and the National Weather Service and Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management are teaming up to keep Iowans informed.

Recognized annually, Severe Weather Awareness Week kicks off today. The week serves to remind Iowans to be prepared and to stay informed for unpredictable Iowa weather.

“Severe weather doesn’t wait for us to be ready; it requires us to act now,” HSEM Director John Benson said in a statement. ”The best time to plan for a tornado or a flood is today, while the skies are clear. By signing up for alerts and practicing your plan, you and your family will be ready to act safely when severe weather hits.”

Union County Emergency Management Director Paul Ver Meer said it’s important for people to be informed on what’s actually happening outside.

“If it’s a watch, just be vigilant,” Ver Meer said. “And if a warning’s declared or the sirens go off and you get a notification on your phone, don’t wait. Don’t be a typical Iowan and go outside and watch the weather. Take it for what it’s worth and go to your secure area until the all-clear is given out.”

The annual statewide tornado drill will take place 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 25. Sirens are expected to sound in Union County at that time. Additional information about the tornado drill can be found on local NWS websites.

Ver Meer encourages anyone with more questions about what to do in the case of severe weather to contact Union County EMA or the Law Enforcement Center.

Each day of the week focuses on a different type of severe weather event - lightning, tornado, preparedness, hail and wind and flood.

Monday - lightning safety

According to the NWS, lightning strikes occur about 25 million times each year in the United States, killing about 20 people with hundreds more being severely injured. While lightning strikes are most common during the summer, they can happen any time of the year. If outside during a thunderstorm, NWS cautions there is no safe place to go, and if one hear thunder, they’re likely within striking distance, promoting their slogan “When thunder roars, go indoors.”

Tuesday - tornado safety

Last year, there were 32 reported tornadoes in Iowa with 12 confirmed on July 11. However, this was below the average of 50 and well below the record-setting 125 tornadoes in 2024. The NWS’s 2025 Iowa Tornado Summary states the first recorded tornado of the 2025 season occurred March 14 in Cedar County, with the final three tornadoes Aug. 18 in Grundy County.

Knowing the difference between a watch and a warning is crucial.

“A watch is if there’s potential for a severe weather or a tornado, so the weather conditions are right for it,” Ver Meer said. “A warning is actual, for example, a tornado, there’s been a sighted tornado or a radar-indicated tornado.”

Wednesday - preparedness

Part of being prepared for severe weather comes in education about different elements of severe weather and having plans in place for when severe weather happens. A variety of resources exist to help people prepare - including lists, reminder and practices - found online at www.Ready.gov and the NWS’ website www.weather.gov.

Emergency kits are also important in the case of severe weather.

“Stock enough for possibly three to five days, such as water, non-perishable food, flashlights, extra batteries, first aid kit,” Ver Meer said. “Make sure they have their medications and any possible medical equipment. Phone charger or a portable power bank. Weather radio, warm clothes and a copy of important documents.”

Emergency kits should be placed in or near a tornado shelter. A shelter can be a basement or a windowless interior room, with all members of the household aware of what to do in case of severe weather.

Those with cell phones should make sure their wireless emergency alerts are turned on. Iowa residents are encouraged to sign up for Alert Iowa to learn about potential severe weather by visiting Smart911’s website - www.smart911.com - and follow the instructions. Union County Emergency Management’s Facebook page provides local updates for weather year-round.

Thursday - hail and wind safety

With thunderstorms come not just strong winds, but also the chances of hail. A severe thunderstorm is defined as a storm “capable of producing hail that is an inch or larger or wind gusts over 58 mph,” both of which have the potential to cause severe damage to people and property.

If heavy wind is expected, various steps can be completed to prepare one’s home, including securing outdoor items and trimming trees and removing weak branches.

Friday - flood safety

During a flood event, waters can rise quickly and without warning, with floods attributing to more deaths each year than other thunderstorm-related hazards. According to the CDC, over half of flood-related deaths occur when vehicles are driven into hazardous flood waters. The next highest amount of deaths occur when people walk into or near to flood waters. The NWS says it only takes 12 inches of rushing water to carry away most cars while trucks and SUVs require just 2 feet of rushing water.

To prepare for severe flooding, individuals should prepare flood evacuation routes which avoid low-lying areas. People should make sure to check sump pumps and areas of drainage on their properties. In case of a quick exit, vehicles should be kept with at least a half tank of gas and a small emergency kit.

Candra Brooks and NWS contributed to this article.