Severe Weather Awareness Week (SWAW) is an opportunity to highlight the importance of being aware of, and prepared for, severe weather. Iowans know all too well that with drastic changes in temperature, there is the potential for major thunderstorms, or even tornadic activity.

SWAW 2023 runs from March 27th - 31st. In order to make the most of the week, each day has a different focus:

  • Monday: Severe Thunderstorms
  • Tuesday: Weather Warnings
  • Wednesday: Tornadoes
  • Thursday: Family Preparedness
  • Friday: Flash Floods
Photo Credit: Emergency Management Dubuque County
Photo Credit: Emergency Management Dubuque County
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The Dubuque 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 in effort to promote Severe Weather Awareness Week.

During this week, residents of the Tri-States are encourages to review shelter in place procedures at home and work, sign up for emergency alerts through Alert Iowa, and be prepared to have multiple ways to be notified of severe weather watches and warnings, per a press released from HSEMD.

The City of Dubuque is doing its part by participating in the annual statewide tornado drill on Wednesday, March 29th at 10am. Meanwhile, the Dubuque County EMA will be hosting a severe weather spotter training class on Tuesday, March 28th at 6pm at the Dubuque County Firefighters Regional Emergency Responder Training Facility. The facility is located at 14928 Public Safety Way in Dubuque.

Photo Credit: Mick Haupt, Unsplash
Photo Credit: Mick Haupt, Unsplash
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It's also a good idea to sign up for the Alert Iowa app today:

Alert Iowa is the state’s emergency notification system used to notify residents of severe weather, local boil water advisories, AMBER alerts, and other emergencies. The City of Dubuque uses Alert Iowa to send residents real-time alerts about potentially life-saving actions that may be needed to keep you and your family safe. Alert Iowa allows you to choose how you receive alerts, with the ability to select either voice calls, text messages, emails, and/or app notifications. - Alert Iowa press release

You can download the app very easily by following these instructions:

Photo Credit: Alert Iowa
Photo Credit: Alert Iowa
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Finally, the National Weather Service has some great information on weather preparedness and safety. You can read their info for Iowans here.

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LOOK: The most expensive weather and climate disasters in recent decades

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