Every spring, Iowans are reminded that severe weather is not a question of if — but when. From tornadoes to flash floods, high winds to lightning, Marshall County Iowa faces a range of hazards that can disrupt lives and damage property. That’s why Severe Weather Awareness Week, March 24-28, is such an important time for all of us to pause, prepare, and plan ahead.

Here in Marshall County, we understand the impact severe weather can have. Many of us remember the 2018 tornado and the 2020 derecho, both of which left lasting scars on our community. Those events taught us that preparation isn’t optional — it’s essential.

Each day during the week focuses on one topic:

• Monday – Lightning Safety

• Tuesday – Tornado Safety

• Wednesday – Preparedness (including the statewide tornado drill at 10 a.m.) Reminder that the weekly outdoor warning siren test will happen on this day, and not the usual Tuesday at 9 a.m., this week only. If there is severe weather in the area or predicted there will not be a siren test.

• Thursday – Hail and Wind Safety

• Friday – Flood Safety

The goal is simple: to make every Iowan more weather ready. Take time to review your family emergency plan, check the batteries in your NOAA Weather Radio, and sign up for local alerts through the Alert Iowa system. You can find sign-up information and preparedness resources at marshallema.org .

During Wednesday’s statewide tornado drill, I encourage workplaces, schools, and families to actually practice sheltering. Know where to go — ideally an interior room on the lowest level of your home or building — and talk through your plan. The few minutes you spend now could save lives later.

Preparedness is more than drills and kits; it’s about building a culture of safety and awareness. When we plan ahead, we make it easier for our first responders to act quickly and for our community to recover faster.

Severe Weather Awareness Week is a perfect reminder that staying safe starts with awareness. Let’s use this week to prepare ourselves, support our neighbors, and make sure Marshall County is ready for whatever Mother Nature sends our way.

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Kim Elder is the Marshall County

Emergency Management Coordinator.