Tornado over an Iowa farm

Are you ready, Iowa?

Emergencies are a part of life. Whether tornadoes, floods, or winter storms, emergencies can occur quickly and without warning. We can't prevent emergencies, but we can prepare for them.

Get Prepared
Are You Ready?

September is National Preparedness Month

September is National Preparedness Month, and the Iowa HSEM is encouraging all Iowans to take simple, practical steps now to ensure they are ready for emergencies of all kinds.

Preparedness Month in Iowa
National Preparedness Month 2026

Make a plan. Build a Kit. Be Aware.

Make a plan

Your family may not be together when an emergency happens, so knowing what to do, where to go, & how to get in touch with family is important.

Build a kit

Your emergency supply kit should have everything you need to sustain you and your family for 3-5 days. Use a checklist to create your own kit.

Be aware

Learn about the hazards that can affect your community and learn how to get information about current weather and road conditions. 

Collage of disaster images with Iowa HSEM logo
WHAT WE DO

Iowa Homeland Security & Emergency Management

Iowa HSEM has been working to make Iowa more prepared for emergencies and disasters since 1965. Our emphasis is on maximizing resources and building core capabilities that ensure we are prepared for all hazards.

Learn More about HSEM

Disasters and emergencies

Prepare for all Iowa Hazards
  • Tornado touches down in a field.

    Tornadoes

    When a tornado is coming, you have only a short amount of time to make life-or-death decisions.

  • Flooded houses surrounded by sandbags with flood rescue raft transporting people

    Floods

    Floods are the most common natural disaster. Learn how to stay safe when a flood threatens.

  • Severe thunderstorm with lightning striking a field

    Severe Thunderstorms

    Know your area’s risk for storms. In most places they can occur year-round and at any hour.

PREPAREDNESS

RESOURCES

READY IOWA has social media resources that you can share to promote preparedness in your home and community. 

Get Resources