Severe Weather Awareness Week in Iowa seeks to promote preparedness for situations of tornadoes, thunderstorms, and flooding.

Adair and Guthrie County Emergency Management Coordinator Bob Kempf urges families to use this week to make a plan for when emergencies occur during severe weather, “Know where you’re going to go, know how you’re going to protect yourself, things of that nature. Whether it be at home, at school, (or) at work. Make sure that you have a plan, make sure that your family reviews the communication plan so that if you are separated, who you’re going to call, how you’re going to make contact with each other to make sure everybody’s okay, and things like that.”

Kempf also advises people to check the batteries in their weather radio, or determine their method of receiving emergency alerts. It’s also important to keep an emergency kit in your car, home, and at work. Basic kits can include a gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, at least a three-day supply of food, first aid kit, dust mask, wrench or pliers to turn off utilities, and local maps.