This Is Only a Test: Johnston Sounding Storm Sirens Today

While rain is headed our way tonight, no severe weather is expected here. So don't panic when you hear storm sirens today.

The City of Johnston will test its outdoor warning sirens today between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. No severe weather is forecast. This is for maintenance purposes only, says A.J. Mumm with the Polk County Emergency Management Agency.

KCCI.com's weather forecast says showers and thunderstorms will become widespread across the state tonight, especially after midnight. A few strong storms will be possible in southeast Iowa toward daybreak on Wednesday.

On and off thunderstorms will continue through the day on Wednesday, with a few stronger ones possible by Wednesday night. Rain totals could top one inch through Thursday, KCCI says.

Family Emergency Plan

Just as the city tests its emergency equipment ahead of time, the emergency management agency suggests you prepare with this family plan.

Family emergency planning can be the key to surviving an emergency. That’s why it’s important to talk to your family to prepare them for various emergencies. Ensure the whole family is a part of the planning process so that the plan addresses everyone’s needs. Recognize that in extreme situations, city emergency resources may be limited. Be prepared to care for yourself and your family for at least 3 days.

• Designate a location to meet in case it is impossible to return home or if you have to evacuate. Choose two – one near your home and one outside the neighborhood. Make sure your family knows the address and phone number of both locations.
• Designate on an out-of-area contact person. This person should be far enough away that it is unlikely he or she would be affected by the same emergency. Family members should call this person to report their location if they cannot reach each other. Provide your contact person with important names and numbers so they can assist in keeping others posted on your situation.
• Create an Emergency Supply Kit. Make sure that all members of your household know where these supplies are.
• Keep a flashlight and a pair of shoes by each bed.
• Determine the best escape routes from your home. Identify at least two separate escape routes and practice using them.
• Locate your gas main and other utilities. Make sure the entire household knows where they are and how to operate them.
• Familiarize yourself with emergency plans at places that are a part of your everyday life, such as school, work, church, daycare, etc.
• While making your plan, consider the special needs of children, seniors, persons with disabilities, and pets in your household.
• Create a communications card for each member of your household to keep with them at all times.
• Make copies of all important documents and keep them off-site in a secure location. Documents to include: passports, birth certificates, social security cards, wills, deeds, driver’s licenses, financial documents, insurance information, and prescriptions.
• Catalog and photograph valuables. Keep these with your second set of documents.