(Spirit Lake)– Rain and even snow may be in the forecast, but this week is severe weather awareness week in the state of Iowa.
A statewide tornado drill was held this (Wed.) morning as part of the observance.
Dickinson County Emergency Management Coordinator Mike Ehret says the message they want to get out this week is simple–be prepared. He’s urging everyone to review their severe weather plans and where they would go in the event a tornado warning is issued.
Ehret’s also reminding the public of the county’s protocol in sounding the sirens during severe weather. He says the only time the sirens will be sounded is in the event the National Weather Service issues a tornado warning, or if a funnel cloud or tornado is observed by trained spotters or law enforcement. Even then, Ehret says the sirens will sound only in those areas being threatened. They will NOT sound countywide.
Ehret also reminds everyone all-clear sirens will NOT be blown.
Ehret says thanks to funding from the county, four more sirens will soon be going up in unincorporated areas of the county. He says sirens will be installed in the next several weeks near Camp Foster; Eleanor Bedell State Park; in the Triboji area; and near Okoboji View Golf Course.
Ehret says additional sirens will go up over the next couple of years on the north and east sides of Big Spirit Lake; in the Moore Lake Area of East Lake Okoboji; Horseshoe Bend southwest of Milford and Montgomery.
