Disaster Prepwise

04/22/2026

With recent tornado watches and warnings across Iowa, it’s a reminder of how quickly severe weather can develop in our area. Stay alert, stay prepared, and know where to go when seconds matter.

📍 Iowa residents can stay informed and prepared by visiting Ready Iowa’s tornado safety guide: https://ready.iowa.gov/disasters-emergencies/tornadoes

Make sure you have multiple ways to receive weather alerts and a plan in place for you and your loved ones.

03/13/2026

On February 27, our Disaster PrepWise AmeriCorps team at the University of Iowa had the pleasure of presenting to a group of fabulous fifth graders from the Bosco Catholic School District! 📚✨

Members Ela Gilson, Amie Zerwic, and Emily Killian led an engaging session where students showed impressive curiosity, concern, and motivation while learning about disasters and the importance of being prepared 🌪️⚡. Their thoughtful questions and enthusiasm made the experience incredibly rewarding.

We’re especially proud that member Ela Gilson helped fully reconstruct the original Disaster PrepWise presentation to better connect with younger audiences, making the session more interactive and accessible for the students.

We truly appreciate the Bosco Catholic School District for welcoming us into your space and giving us the opportunity to make a hands-on difference in educating the next generation about disaster preparedness!

03/04/2026

When temperatures drop outside, the risks don’t stay there. Poor insulation unsafe, heating methods and power outages can make indoor spaces just as dangerous. From hypothermia to carbon monoxide exposure Winter hazards are often hidden in plain sight.

Stay warm. Stay safe. Checked on loved ones.

02/03/2026

Even indoors, the cold can affect your health! Learn how to protect yourself from indoor cold-related risks and stay warm and safe this winter. ❄️🧤⛄️

01/28/2026

Our Program Coordinator recently presented Disaster PrepWise to the Johnson County CERT team! After the presentation, we had a great discussion about community preparedness and also connected with the Project Lifesaver coordinator to explore ways we can work more closely together to keep our community safe

01/28/2026

Whether you're embarking on a fun road trip with family and friends, or facing an unexpected evacuation order after a disaster, here are some suggestions to keep you safe when you go the distance:

01/28/2026

Still haven’t a found a New Years resolution?

Here are some fresh ideas to get you kick-started on your journey. Plus help you plan for disasters with practical tips to be ready for anything!

01/21/2026

Thank you to Horizons for welcoming us! AmeriCorps member Ela Gilson presented at Horizons to discuss the importance of disaster preparedness among caregivers. Empowering caregivers with the tools and knowledge to prepare ahead helps protect individuals, families, and communities when emergencies arise

01/16/2026

AmeriCorps members Elaine Musiwa and Ela Gilson recently presented at the Pathway Adult Health Day Center on Disaster PrepWise!
During the presentation, we discussed the importance of being prepared before disasters happen. Highlighting simple, practical steps individuals and communities can take to stay safe, informed, and resilient during emergencies. Disaster PrepWise focuses on empowering people with the knowledge and tools needed to reduce risk and recover more effectively when disasters occur.
Thank you to Pathway Adult Health Day Center for welcoming us and for your commitment to community health and preparedness!

01/15/2026

Our Iowa Public Health AmeriCorps members have been having a great time at Horizons: Meals on Wheels, Financial Wellness & NTS presenting disaster preparedness-themed topics, games, and emergency supplies with seniors at their congregate dining service!!!

12/31/2025

Caregiving during emergencies or high-stress moments can feel overwhelming. Take a deep breath, focus on what you can control, and remember you don’t have to do everything at once. Staying calm helps you and those you care for stay safe.
✔️ Pause and breathe
✔️ Stick to familiar routines
✔️ Ask for help when needed

12/20/2025

Winter Is Here!

As the first day of winter approaches, the Disaster PrepWise team at the University of Iowa College of Public Health is sharing helpful resources to keep you this season! ⛄️

In the coming days, we’ll be posting links to FEMA’s Winter Ready resources — full of tips on preparing for cold weather, winter storms, emergency kits, safety strategies, and more to help you and your household stay safe all winter long.
FEMA LINK: https://www.ready.gov/winter-ready

Whether you’re building your emergency plan or just brushing up on winter safety, PrepWise is here to support your preparedness every step of the way.

Preventing House Heating Fires Preparing for Power Outages Winter Travel Tips for Your Specific Needs Additional Resources Being means understanding winter risks you face and taking steps now to prepare. This page will be updated throughout the winter to add more resources and informati...