While the snow from last week’s blizzard melts, Webster County Emergency Management Director Dylan Hagen is reminding residents to begin thinking about weather preparedness during Severe Weather Awareness Week, which begins today.

“We have seen that Iowa weather can change in the blink of an eye,” said Hagen. “From a blizzard warning to 70 degrees in the same week, we have all seen that the weather in Iowa can change quickly. It’s important that we take time to discuss some of the biggest weather threats to us and understand how to prepare and respond to these events.”

Throughout Severe Weather Awareness Week, Hagen will be providing information online on the County’s Emergency Management Facebook page to residents about lightning, tornado, flood, and hail and wind safety.

The statewide tornado drill is also scheduled for Wednesday at 10 a.m. as long as there is no threat of severe weather that day.

According to Hagen, the sirens will activate countywide for three minutes for the test.

The three-minute alert tone is a steady tone and is a warning activation. In May 2023, the county changed the warning tones with the hope that residents would distinguish the difference between the Saturday noon test, which is a wail tone, and the warning activation’s steady tone.

Hagen also challenged residents to not become complacent regarding weather forecasts and information, especially in Iowa’s ever-changing climate.

“We understand sometimes the storms get hyped up and they don’t produce like it was stated they would,” said Hagen. “I would rather us be prepared and ready for that worse case than to be reactive and not be fully prepared. As we know, the weather can change in a minute and people need to be aware of that and take it seriously. If public officials are asking the public for something, such as to avoid an area or if travel is not advised, there is a reason behind it. By not following the recommendation, we often find those folks getting in the way of the essential services or becoming part of the problem.”

Hagen also recommended that residents prepare for incoming weather by filling cars with fuel, having extra non-perishable food items available as well as drinking water, and ensuring that medications are full.

“We encourage you to plan for several days in the event you are without power and cannot leave your home,” said Hagen.

Free public safety and weather alerts specific to Webster County are available by texting WebsterIA to 67283.

Severe Weather Awareness Week

Area authorities will be highlighting the importance of awareness each day this week, including:

Monday: Lightning Safety

Tuesday: Tornado Safety

Wednesday: Preparedness

Thursday: Hail and Wind Safety

Friday: Flood Safety