(Atlantic) A statewide mock tornado drill is set for Wednesday, March 24. The Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management and the National Weather Service have declared March 22 through March 26, 2021, Severe Weather Awareness Week.
Cass County Emergency Management Director Mike Kennon says at 11:00 a.m., the National Weather Service in Des Moines will issue a mock tornado warning coinciding with the weekly weather radio testing. Kennon says outdoor warning sirens will be sounded at or soon after 11:00 AM in cities throughout Cass County. Additionally, subscribers to the Cass County Emergency Notification System will receive an alert concerning the drill.
Kennon says this is an excellent opportunity for residents, businesses, and schools to practice their own procedures in the event of a real tornado.
Physically rehearsing this procedure may not be convenient for everyone, so Kennon asks the public to at least think about what they would do to protect themselves and others in the event of a tornado.
Officials will cancel the drill in the event of severe weather.
To register for the Cass County Emergency Notification System, go to links located on the Cass County homepage or the Cass County EMA Facebook page. If you need assistance, contact Mike Kennon, Cass County Emergency Management Agency Coordinator, at 712-243-1500.
Severe Weather Awareness Week is an annual event to remind Iowans that severe weather is part of being in Iowa and that understanding the risks and how to respond to them can save lives.
