Iowa Emergency Preparedness

Based on 72 FEMA disaster declarations, here is everything you need to know about preparing for emergencies in Iowa.

62
Risk Score
High

Top Threats in Iowa

Severe Storm (33 declarations)
High
Tornado (4 declarations)
Low
Flood (30 declarations)
High
Winter Storm (1 declarations)
Low

FEMA Disaster History

Iowa has had 72 federal disaster declarations since tracking began.

Declarations by Type

Severe Storm 33
Flood 30
Tornado 4
Severe Ice Storm 2
Winter Storm 1
Biological 1
Snowstorm 1

Recent Declarations

Severe Winter Storm 2025-05-21
Severe Storms, Flooding, Straight-Line Winds, And Tornadoes 2024-06-24
Severe Storms, Tornadoes, And Flooding 2024-05-24
Severe Storms And Tornadoes 2024-05-14
Flooding 2023-08-25

Preparedness Tips for Iowa

  • Trim trees and remove dead branches that could fall on your home
  • Have a battery-powered weather radio for severe storm alerts
  • Keep flashlights and extra batteries in multiple rooms
  • Know the difference between a watch (conditions possible) and a warning (happening now)

Emergency Contacts

Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management

515-725-3231

Visit Website →

Recommended Gear

Emergency Radio

Severe storm warnings save lives when power is out

Generator

Severe storms frequently cause extended power outages

First Aid Kit

Storm damage can cause injuries when help is delayed

Get Your Preparedness Checklist

Customized for Iowa's top threats

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