Community Connections of Iowa

     Iowa is known for its crazy weather pattern. The calendar can read Spring, but Mother Nature has a mind of her own. We have seen snow as late as early May and tornadoes and other severe weather as early as March 1st. in other words, we should be prepared for anything. 

     Below are some tips from the national Weather Service so you can be prepared for severe weather:

• GET IN - If you are outside, get inside.  If you're already inside, get as far into the middle of the building as possible.
• GET DOWN - Get underground if possible.  If you cannot, go to the lowest floor possible.
• COVER UP - Flying and falling debris are a storm's number one killer.  Use pillows, blankets, coats, or helmets, to cover up and protect your head and body from flying debris.

     One of the biggest fears we face are tornadoes. The key to tornado survival is a good safety plan.  Your plan at home should be known by everyone in the home and practiced at least twice each year.  Children who may be at home alone should know what to do and where to go even if no adults are there.

     When the sirens go off, grab your phone and radio and head for the basement.  Don't wait to see what happens. A storm came come up quick and can be ferocious. 

Remember:

• A watch means the atmosphere is right for a storm and you should be aware.
• A warning means a storm in imminent and you need to seek shelter now. 
• If you are driving, don't try to outrun the storm. Get out of the car and find shelter or lay flat in a ditch. 
• DO NOT park under an overpass. The wind will form a suction and suck you out. 
• Be sure to charge your phone when a watch is issued. if you have a weather radio, take it with you to your shelter.
• Other things you should have ready in case of a tornado are a blanket, flashlight, snacks, a blanket and pillow, and anything else you might need incase there is damage and yo have to shelter in place. 

     If you are an Iowan, you know how fast the weather changes. You can feel the humidity in the air when it's going to rain, and you know when the sky turns a strange color, it's best to go inside.  Storms can be scary, but being prepared is the key.