The Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) and the National Weather Service (NWS) have joined together to promote Severe Weather Awareness Week, March 23-27, 2026.
βSevere weather doesn't wait for us to be ready; it requires us to act now," said HSEM Director John Benson. "The best time to plan for a tornado or a flood is today, while the skies are clear. By signing up for alerts and practicing your plan, you and your family will be ready to act safely when severe weather hits.β
Iowans are encouraged to take the following steps to be better prepared:
- Be aware of weather hazards by signing up for emergency notifications through Alert Iowa (alert.iowa.gov), enabling WEA alerts on your mobile phone, and having a weather radio.
- Create or check your emergency kit to make sure you have everything you need in case you have to shelter in place or evacuate.
- Practice what you would do in the event of severe weather and how you would take shelter or how you would evacuate.
- Check your insurance coverage on your home and auto and know what is and what is not covered.
- Take an inventory on paper or by picture of your home and keep it in your go bag or virtually in case you have to report damages.
- Learn more about how to be better prepared at ready.iowa.gov.
During Severe Weather Awareness Week, a different subject will be highlighted each day:
- Monday β Lightning Safety
- Tuesday β Tornado Safety
- Wednesday β Preparedness
- Thursday β Hail and Wind Safety
- Friday β Flood Safety
The annual statewide tornado drill will take place on Wednesday, March 25, beginning at 10 a.m. Additional information about the tornado drill can be found on local NWS websites.