Spring weather in the Midwest can come in many forms, from warm, sunny days to tornados to snow. It’s important to be ready for springtime severe weather before it hits.
Take these three simple steps to be prepared:
1. Stay aware of weather hazards by using an alerting tool, such as notifications from Alert Iowa, weather apps on your phone or the NOAA Weather Radio website.
2. Make an emergency plan with your family. Discuss where you will go and what actions you may need to take to stay safe in different weather events, such as during flash flooding versus a tornado.
3. Build an emergency kit with items you and your family will need in case of evacuation. Include enough to last each person 3-5 days. Consider packing water and non-perishable food, first aid supplies, flashlights, batteries and a radio. Personal items might include medications, hygiene supplies and extra clothing.
When it comes to being in a vehicle during heavy rain and flooding, remember the saying, “Turn around. Don’t drown.” Water in flooded roadways is often deeper than it appears, and your vehicle can quickly be swept away.
If you’re in a vehicle during a tornado, drive to the closest shelter. If you are not able to make it to a shelter, either pull over and get down in your car, covering your head, or abandon your vehicle, and get to a low-lying area, such as a ditch, in order to protect yourself.
Visit ready.iowa.gov to learn more about weather notification systems, emergency plans and emergency kits.
Natalie Peters is the community health educator in the Dallas County Public Health Department.
