In 2008, 11 Iowans were killed in tornadoes. An EF-3 tornado that hit the Little Sioux Boy Scout Camp in Monona County, June 11, 2008, claimed four lives and many injuries. The incident happened less than a month after a devastating EF-5 tornado destroyed the southern and eastern half of Parkersburg in Butler County, killing five people in Parkersburg and two others in New Hartford.
In Boone County, the most recent devastating tornado occurred in 2005, as an EF-1 tornado touched down southwest of Boxholm in the northwestern part of the county and headed northeast, changing in intensity to an EF-2 as it crossed into Webster County. A second tornado crossed through southeast Boone County, after cutting through Woodward, damaging several homes and businesses, while a third tornado appeared one mile northwest of Madrid, damaging one home and a farm site north of town.
Despite the deadly consequences of these storms, however, there are many that do not take the sound of tornado sirens with the seriousness that they should. As a result, the Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division and the National Weather Service has designated April 6-10 as Severe Weather Awareness Week in the state.
During the week, the National Weather Service will promote severe weather safety by issuing informative public information statements and holding its annual tornado drill yesterday at 10 a.m.
Boone County Emergency Management Coordinator Dave Morlan said that the biggest problem with severe storms are that people do not give them the respect they deserve.
"Way too many people are fascinated by the storms and don't realize their real power and have a tendency to, instead of taking precautions, they go out to look," he said. "That is a classic thing that people do that really put them in severe danger. The other one is additional storms. What it means is you'll have one storm come through, you'll get a break, and another storm comes in behind it, and they keep building over the same areas. A lot of people think that once the storm goes through, they're done, and they don't pay attention to what's going on, and they happen to get caught by a second storm."
Despite the focus often placed on the danger of tornadoes, Morlan said that people should be equally cautious of the storms that often precede them.
"Any severe storm has its dangers, and there's a whole lot more people that are killed by lightning than there are by tornadoes," Morlan said. "Just because there's not a tornado there, severe storms in general need to be taken more seriously."
With Iowa being located in a prime area for tornadoes to develop each year, and with the consequences of storms holding the potential for serious injury or death, individuals are encouraged to take steps to help protect themselves.
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Although it is ideal for the entire family to be at home when a disaster strikes, this is not always the case. Creating a family emergency plan for severe weather or disasters can help give each person a guideline to follow after a disaster has occurred. Talk to your family about what to do in the event of an emergency. Pick two locations where you will meet after the disaster has taken place, with one being right outside your home and another removed from your neighborhood in the case that you are unable to return to your house. It is important to remember to include children, those with special needs and family pets in the planning process, as well.
Also, developing a family communication plan can help all family members stay in contact during a disaster. Choose an out-of-town friend or relative to be a contact point for all members of the family to call in case you are separated during an emergency. By doing so, you have a contact outside of the severe weather area that can keep each family member up-to-date on who is OK, and where each family member is located.
Emergency numbers should be posted by all phones in the household, as well, with children trained to know how and when to dial 911 or local emergency services when disaster strikes.
Make an Emergency Supply Kit
In the event of a large-scale storm, rescue crews may be unable to reach trapped residents for long periods of time, so an emergency supply kit should be created and stored in a convenient location.
Such kits often include:
* Water and food to maintain your family for three days. A common rule is to include one gallon of water each day per person. Food should be nonperishable.
* Tools and supplies, including bandages, anti-bacterial ointment, scissors and non-prescription drugs such as pain relievers and antacids.
* Extra blankets, clothing and shoes.
* Money, preferably cash, as often times tornadoes can take down telephone lines, preventing credit or debit cards from being used.
* Specialty items such as prescription medications, baby formula and pet supplies.
* Sanitary supplies, such as soap, pre-moistened towelettes, toilet paper, personal hygiene items, diapers and garbage bags.
n Plates, cups, utensils and a can opener.
* Copies of important documents such as driver's licenses, birth certificates, Social Security cards, passports, financial information, insurance policies and wills.
* A whistle to signal for help.
The kit should be reviewed periodically to ensure that food and water are fresh, and that prescription medications are up-to-date.
In a Tornado Warning, Seek Shelter Immediately
Know where to go in your home and instruct children on the proper procedures for tornado warnings.
If you are in a structure, go to a pre-designated shelter area, such as a safe room, basement, storm cellar or the lowest level in the building. If there is no basement, go to the center of an interior room on the lowest level away from corners, windows, doors and outside walls. Get under a sturdy table and use your arms to protect your head and neck. Do not open windows.
If you are in a vehicle, trailer or mobile home, get out immediately and go to the lowest floor of a sturdy, nearby building or a storm shelter. Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes. Never try to outrun a tornado in urban or congested areas in a vehicle.
If you are outside with no shelter, lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands. Be aware of the potential for flooding. Do not get under an overpass or bridge, as you are safer in a low, flat location. Watch out for flying debris, as this is the most common cause of fatalities and injuries during a tornado.
