On the final day of severe weather awareness week we will be discussing Family Awareness. Are you and your family prepared to take shelter for severe weather? Do you have a designated shelter?

(Courtesy: FEMA) Disasters of all kinds disrupt hundreds of thousands of lives every year. Each disaster has lasting effects, both to people and property. If a disaster occurs in your community, local government and disaster-relief organizations will try to help you, but you need to be ready as well. Local responders may not be able to reach you immediately, or they may need to focus their efforts elsewhere. Being prepared for a disaster can reduce fear, anxiety, and losses that accompany disasters.

There are five key elements to a disaster plan:

1) Learn about possible dangers in your area and become familiar with your community’s disaster response plan. Common disasters in Iowa include flooding, severe thunderstorms and tornadoes.

2) Talk to your family about what to do in the event of an emergency. Pick two locations where you will meet: one close to your home and another removed from your neighborhood to be used if you are unable to return to your residence.

3) Develop a crisis communications plan to insure that your family will be able to stay in contact if you are separated during a disaster.

4) Create emergency preparedness kits for your home, office and car.

5) Practice your plan!

More information on Severe Weather Awareness is available here!