Q: What is Severe Weather Preparedness Week?
A: Iowans are no strangers to the fierce whims of Mother Nature. From deadly tornadoes to historic floods and the most costly thunderstorm in U.S. history, it’s important to prepare for severe weather. Do not ignore weather alerts and advisories from local, state and federal authorities. Throughout my public service as Iowa’s U.S. Senator, I’ve seen first-hand the devastation and resilience of our rural communities and river cities whose residents have pitched in to clean up debris and build back when severe weather has wiped away livelihoods and taken innocent lives. From damaging winds to flash flooding and thunderstorms, the National Weather Service encourages residents to be prepared. The arrival of spring ushers in the busy planting season for farmers, end-of-school year celebrations and teases summer days on the horizon. Before the school year comes to an end, take the time to revisit severe weather drills with your family. Be informed, don’t wing it in bad weather. The first step is to ensure you have access to severe weather alerts. Set up a weather radio in your home, download a weather app to a mobile device and turn on notifications. Check homelandsecurity.iowa.gov/alert-iowa for weather alerts and other disaster advisories and tune in to local media. Severe weather can unleash hazardous conditions quickly. Having a plan in place can save lives. Build or restock an emergency kit for your household and car. Be mindful about power outages that would impact medical equipment and charging phones. Stock up on medications, infant formula, water, batteries and other essentials. Visit Ready.gov for more tips to get started.
Iowa observes Severe Weather Preparedness Week March 25-29. Take the opportunity to check with family members, elderly neighbors and caregivers of individuals with special needs. Do they have a safety plan in place? Designate a mutual contact who doesn’t live in your local area with whom to share information if separated from loved ones during a weather event.
Q: How can Iowans prepare for severe weather events?
A: Midwesterners have faced severe weather that for generations has delivered thunderstorms, blizzards, tornadoes and flooding to communities across the state. Even good weather drives conversations for many Iowa families around the kitchen table, as it impacts daily life and the economy. Iowa is facing its fourth year of drought conditions as the Corn Belt looks ahead to growing season.
Although the flood threat is low on the Missouri and Mississippi rivers this year, be mindful flooding may develop slowly or occur during storm surges. One foot of moving water can sweep away a vehicle. Never drive through flood waters. Find flood preparation tips at www.ready.gov/floods.
Severe thunderstorms, high winds and tornados are particularly hazardous for those who work outside, drive trucks and deliver goods for a living. As a lifelong family farmer, I know how hard it is to get off the tractor seat during planting and harvest seasons when dark clouds loom overhead or high winds blow across the field. Athletes of all ages are tempted to finish their run, soccer game or round of golf even in bad weather. It’s better to be safe than sorry, especially during a thunderstorm when lightning can have fatal consequences. Check out lightning myths vs. facts from the National Weather Service. Know the signs of a tornado and find safety information at www.ready.gov/tornadoes. A Tornado Watch advisory tells local residents to stay vigilant for the possibility of a tornado. A Tornado Warning means take immediate action; a tornado is imminent or already on the ground in a local area.
I’m continuing to push the bipartisan TORNADO Act in Congress to help improve forecasting for tornadoes and other hazardous weather. The federal government ought to update the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) severe weather alerts systems to help ensure communities are notified as quickly as possible with accurate information. More lead time means more response time to help save lives during dangerous weather events.