March 21 through 25 is Severe Weather Awareness Week in Iowa.

Webster County Emergency Management Coordinator Dylan Hagen said each day will focus on a different topic to help people be prepared.

“We encourage our residents to take part in the topics covered during this week, to be better prepared for severe weather that we are now familiar with happening year-round,” he said.

Each day, the emergency management team will be sharing important information to their Facebook page “Webster County IA Emergency Management.”

Today’s topic is severe thunderstorms. Hagen said severe thunderstorms are defined as storms capable of producing hail one inch or larger in size or wind gusts over 58 miles per hour. Severe thunderstorms can cause damage to vehicles and structures and have the potential to produce hail larger than softballs and winds over 100 miles per hour.

Hagen said it’s important to know when severe storms are possible and how to properly take shelter.

Tuesday’s topic will be weather warnings and watches. A tornado or severe thunderstorm watch means people need to be prepared as conditions are favorable for severe weather. A tornado or severe thunderstorm warning means action needs to be taken immediately. People should take shelter and monitor conditions through a weather radio, television, local radio, or phone application for further information. Hagen said they will also discuss ways for people to be connected and get notifications during severe weather.

Wednesday will be the statewide tornado drill at 10 a.m. If there is actual severe weather that day, the drill will be postponed to Thursday. The outdoor warning sirens will be activated for this drill. Hagen said they encourage people to participate in this drill to practice their emergency plan in case of an actual tornado.

Thursday will focus on preparedness. Hagen said the three easy steps to remember are: “Make a plan; build a kit; be aware.” He said they will be sharing information on how to prepare yourself, your family, and your home for severe weather.

The week will end Friday with a focus on flash floods, reminding residents to, “Turn around. Don’t drown.”

Hagen said it only takes a foot of fast moving water to carry away a small car and only two feet for larger cars, trucks, and SUVs. Hagen said it’s also dangerous to drive down flooded roads because it’s impossible to know what is under the water. It’s also possible the roadway could be washed away.

Hagen said everyone is encouraged to participate in Severe Weather Awareness Week.

“It’s an opportunity to highlight the importance of being aware of, and prepared for, severe weather. It is also an ideal time to review your family’s emergency plan, check the contents of your emergency kit, and sign up to receive alerts to stay weather aware,” he said.

For more information on severe weather preparedness, visit www.beready.iowa.gov. To sign up for Webster County emergency alerts, visit webstercountyia.gov or download the free Smart911 application on your Apple or Android devices. Hagen said you can also visit homelandsecurity.iowa.gov/alert-iowa/ for more information.