Community Corner

Iowa Severe Weather Awareness Week 2013: How Johnston Residents Can Prepare Themselves This Year

March 25-29, 2013 has been designated as Severe Weather Awareness Week in Iowa. What is going on in Johnton to ensure you are prepared?

Are you prepared for severe weather, Johnston? If not, this week is a good time to make sure.

March 25-29, 2013 has been designated as Iowa Severe Weather Awareness Week, according to Polk County Emergency Management.  Severe Weather Awareness Week is an annual event to remind Iowan’s that severe weather is part of living in Iowa and that understanding the risks and how to respond to them can save lives.

In recognition of this week, the city of Johnston will participate in a statewide test of the city's warning sirens. The test will occur on Wednesday, March 27, at 10:15 a.m.

Find out what's happening in Johnstonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Polk County Emergency Management is also holding a storm spotter class in cooperation with the National Weather Service. The class will be held at Des Moines Area Community College in Ankeny at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 26. 

The storm spotter class is free of cost and open to anyone interested in severe weather and the general public is encouraged to attend. The session will be held at the Building 6 auditorium.

Find out what's happening in Johnstonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Daily topics have been set for the entire week, according to the release. Those topics are as follows:

  • Monday – Flash Flooding
  • Tuesday – Warning Reception
  • Wednesday - Tornadoes/Statewide Drill       
  • Thursday – Severe Thunderstorms
  • Friday – Family Preparedness

“Our goal is simple, we want to motivate our friends, family and neighbors to be better prepared” said A.J. Mumm, director of the Polk County Emergency Management Agency. “We ask that individuals and families be better prepared by taking a few simple steps. Have a family emergency plan; put together an emergency supplies kit; and stay informed about severe weather and other emergencies that can occur in your community."


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