Today (Monday) marks the opening day of Severe Weather Awareness Week in Iowa, and emergency management coordinators throughout the state are encouraging Iowans to spend at least a few minutes readying themselves for potential disasters. Carroll County Emergency Management Director Jeff Cullen says Iowa weather can be a bit of a roller coaster.
While large temperature swings are more of an inconvenience than a threat to life and limb, there are plenty of other weather events, like tornadoes, floods, and derechos, that occur fairly frequently in Iowa. Cullen says households with a plan in place before one of those disasters strikes tend to perform better and more quickly than those without, and it only takes a few minutes to draw up a plan.
Reacting quickly can be crucial in an emergency, and Cullen says knowing what to do in advance can make a world of difference. Having the right equipment on hand is another important part of preparedness. Cullen says there are plenty of very expensive options out there, but the basics, which are the most important, are much more reasonable.
Practice makes perfect, or at least as close as is possible, and the statewide tornado drill is planned for 10 a.m. on Wednesday morning. Carroll County residents should expect to hear sirens go off at that time and are encouraged to participate in the drill at their homes or workplaces. Cullen invites families who want help in designing their emergency preparedness plans to reach out to the Carroll County Emergency Management Office by calling 712-775-2166 or emailing jcullen@carrollcountyiowa.org.
