You and your family may not be together when an emergency happens, so knowing what to do, where you will go, and how to get in touch with family members is important.
Choose an out-of-town friend or relative to be a contact point for family members to call if you are separated during an emergency. Make sure everyone knows how and when to call 911 or local emergency medical services. Post emergency contact phone numbers near telephones.
Contact your local emergency management agency to learn about your community’s emergency plan, the location of shelters and hospitals, and evacuation routes.
Most shelters do not accept pets. Prepare a list of kennels, friends and family members who may be able to care for your pet in an emergency. If you are able to take your pet to a shelter, the pet must have a current vaccination record, a pet carrier and a supply of food.
Make plans to ensure the needs of someone you know who is elderly or dependent on life-sustaining or health-related equipment such as a ventilator or respirator.
So now you’ve put together a plan.
In an emergency, there are items you and your family will need. Pack a bag with items listed below. After assembling your kit, store it in a place known to all household members. Review the contents of your kit periodically to make sure stored medicines are up to date.
Get your emergency supply kit checklist (PDF)
Once you’ve put your emergency supply kit together, it’s time to be aware!
Learn about the hazards that can affect your community and learn how to get information about current weather and road conditions. Pay attention to the news. Local radio and television stations provide up-to-date weather information.
Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) are short emergency messages from authorized federal, state, local, tribal and territorial public alerting authorities that can be broadcast from cell towers to any WEA‐enabled mobile device in a locally targeted area. WEAs can be sent by state and local public safety officials, the National Weather Service, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and the President of the United States.
The Emergency Alert System (EAS) is a national public warning system that allows the president to address the nation within 10 minutes during a national emergency. State and local authorities may also use the system to deliver important emergency information such as weather information, imminent threats, AMBER alerts and local incident information targeted to specific areas.
Investing in a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio is another way to receive weather and other emergency alerts, and you can program them so that you receive only the alerts for your county or specific counties.
Alert Iowa is the State of Iowa’s official emergency notification system. Through Alert Iowa, State and local officials are able to utilize a single, statewide notification system that provides local control of how and when to disseminate emergency and public safety messages to residents. Learn if your county is participating and sign up now to receive free alerts via text message, email, and/or voice message.
The Iowa Department of Transportation offers real-time information on current road conditions on their website or application.
A community warning siren is part of an outdoor, all-hazards siren system that is used to warn the general population of potential danger in a short amount of time.
What the Sirens Mean
What to Do When You Hear a Siren
If the sirens are activated – and it is not a monthly test – the public should see it as a signal to:
The information provided here is courtesy of the National Weather Service (NWS). These are hazards that regularly affect the state of Iowa. For additional information, visit your local NWS website.
The NWS developed two new categories of damage threat for Severe Thunderstorm Warnings. These tags and additional messaging are designed to promote immediate action, based on the threats.
Information courtesy of ReadyIowa
Tornadoes
posted 7/24/24
Disaster Recovery Temporary Housing Program
posted 7/17/24
New Housing Grant Program
posted 7/16/24
Disaster Recovery
posted 7/8/24
Disaster Recovery Center Opens-New Dates
posted 7/2/24
Jasper County Approved USDA Assistance for 04/26/24
posted 5/28/24
Report Storm Damage
posted 5/22/24
Disaster Proclamation
posted 5/22/24
Alert Iowa Sign Up
posted 6/21/22