BOONE, Iowa—This week is Severe Weather Awareness Week, held every year as we enter the spring and summer storm season. Severe Weather Awareness Week is held to remind the public about the hazards faced during weather events, keeping updated on forecasts, knowing about watches, warnings and advisories and how they affect you and your family and the important one, preparedness, thinking about where you and your family goes and what you do to remain safe.

Wednesday of Severe Weather Awareness Week deals with Preparedness and more information is available at ready.iowa.gov

Wednesday is the day a Statewide Tornado Drill will be held at 10:00 a.m. CDT. The National Weather Service will conduct a tornado drill through NOAA All Hazard Weather Radio.

Locally, Boone County Emergency Management has announced that the warning sirens in Boone County will not be set off during the drill. Emergency Management Coordinator Chris Hayes posted this information on the the Boone County Emergency Management Facebook page:

Statewide Tornado Drill – Boone County Siren Policy

On Wednesday, March 26th, at 10 AM, Iowa will conduct a Statewide Tornado Drill as part of Weather Awareness Week. Boone County will NOT be activating our Outdoor Warning Sirens during this drill.

Why?

The sirens are tested monthly on the 1st Monday of each month at 1 PM to ensure proper function.

Activating them outside this schedule tends to create public confusion since it is not a real emergency.

What Should You Do?

Even though sirens will not sound, we encourage all residents, families, schools, and businesses to take this opportunity to practice their tornado safety plan:

Identify your safe shelter location (lowest level, interior room, away from windows).

Have multiple ways to receive weather alerts (NOAA Weather Radio, local alerts, apps).

Review your emergency kit (water, flashlight, first-aid supplies, whistle).

Discuss your plan with family members—practice makes perfect!

Boone County’s Outdoor Warning Siren Policy

Sirens are used ONLY to warn those outdoors of an immediate, life-threatening event. They are activated when:

A Tornado Warning is issued by the National Weather Service.

A trained spotter confirms a tornado or funnel cloud.

Severe winds of 70+ mph are forecasted or occurring.

Hail of 1.75 inches (golf ball size) or larger is reported and causing damage.

How Long Do Sirens Sound?

When activated, sirens will sound for 3-5 minutes and may be re-sounded every 10-15 minutes during the warning period.

There is NO “all-clear” siren. Stay alert and monitor reliable sources for updates.

Stay Weather Aware! Sign up for Boone County emergency alerts by texting “BooneIA” to 672-83

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