DES MOINES — The Muscatine County Emergency Management Agency, Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEMD), National Weather Service (NWS), and Iowa Emergency Management Association (IEMA) have joined together to promote Severe Weather Awareness Week in Iowa.
Severe Weather Awareness Week, March 22-26, is an opportunity to highlight the importance of being aware of, and prepared for, severe weather.
During the tornado drill, the siren tones will cycle county-wide as it does in a true emergency. The drill is an excellent time to review tornado safety plans and conduct tornado drills in companies, schools and other facilities. The Muscatine County Emergency Management Agency encourages all organizations to participate.
The annual statewide tornado drill will take place on Wednesday, March 24, beginning at 11 a.m. Schools, businesses, individuals, and state and local governments may participate, keeping in mind COVID-19 safety guidelines, including:
* Staying at least six feet from other people outside of your household in your shelter location if possible
* Wearing a mask
* Washing your hands often, cover coughs and sneeze
* Avoiding touching high-touch surfaces, such as handrails, as much as possible
Regular monthly testing is from April to October and occurs on the first Monday of the month at 11 a.m. If a severe weather watch or warning is in effect for the Muscatine County area prior to 11 a.m. on a scheduled test day, the sirens should not be tested that day. Outdoor warning siren tests will resume on the next scheduled monthly date.
To report any siren problems, contact the Muscatine County Emergency Management Agency at 563-288-3909.