Iowa Emergency Management Association

In a major disaster, it could be several days before vital services can be restored.

Iowa is exposed to a wide variety of natural and man-made hazards all year-round. These hazards include severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, blizzards, ice storms, and acts of terrorism. Any of these can cause loss of services including water, electricity and communications.

Imagine that you have no electricity, no gas, no water and no telephone service. Along with that, all businesses are closed and emergency services are unavailable. What will you and your family do until help arrives?

Being prepared can literally mean the difference between life and death in a disaster.