As Severe Weather Awareness Week in Iowa continues, Thursday’s topic is family preparedness.

Adair and Guthrie County Emergency Management Coordinator Bob Kempf says develop a family communication plan of what to do during certain severe weather events and discuss, like a fire drill. Kempf suggests including contact information of different individuals, such as family members and friends, and make sure everyone has a copy of that information. He points out a key element of your family’s plan should be alternative locations to meet in case something happens to your home.

“If your home does get destroyed, you can’t necessarily go there. Do you know how many blocks in from the east in town and how many blocks south that you live from the city limits? Most people don’t. So have something picked out as best you can. Make sure that maybe you have somebody to call or somebody outside your neighborhood, outside of your town.”

Kempf notes to plan how family members will receive weather related information and notifications. Finally, Kempf advises to practice your family’s plan so each member knows what to do and how to react.