March 24-28 is Severe Weather Awareness Week

Are you ready for severe weather? The best time to plan is before severe weather strikes.

Severe Weather Awareness Week in Iowa is March 24-28, 2025. It's an opportunity to highlight the importance of being aware of - and prepared for - severe weather. This is an ideal time to review your household's emergency plan, make an emergency kit, and sign up to receive alerts to stay weather aware.

Linn County is sharing preparedness information on our Facebook this week to help keep you informed and prepared for severe weather.

As a reminder, outdoor warning sirens are only intended to reach people who are outdoors. Outdoor warning sirens are not meant to serve as a warning system for people inside homes or other buildings, especially as advances in building and window construction continually improve and limit the level of sound entering homes and businesses.

The best preparedness plans include multiple weather warning notification systems, including weather radios, text and email alerts, and contacting family members or neighbors.

1. Make a plan.

Know what to do in the event of an emergency. Make sure everyone in your family knows the drill. Use this sample emergency plan to make your own plan. Include your pets in your emergency plan.

2. Build a kit.

Your emergency supply kit should have everything you need to sustain you and your family for 3-5 days. Use this sample checklist to create your own kit for your home, vehicle, and pets.

3. Be aware.

Learn about the hazards that can affect your community and learn how to get information about current weather and road conditions. Sign up for emergency notifications through Alert Iowa.

Learn More

For more information about severe weather preparedness, visit ready.iowa.gov.