This week the state of Iowa has taken time to inform the public about severe weather and how to become more aware and prepared incase severe weather strikes.

Marion County Emergency Management Director Jeff Anderson tells KNIA/KRLS News the first step to being prepared is being able to be informed by subscribing to alerts on your phone, having the weather radio on or having an AM/FM radio. Anderson says always having a plan is the best way to stay prepared in times of severe weather. He says to give yourself time to implement a plan in case severe weather arises quickly. He adds, the best way to give yourself that cushion of time is to stay informed with weather alerts or by staying tuned to KNIA/KRLS.