Warning sirens to be tested Wednesday morning in Charles City

To The Press

The emergency warning sirens in Charles City are planned to be tested beginning at 10 this morning (Wednesday) as part of Severe Weather Awareness Week in Iowa.

Every year in the United States, hundreds of people are killed and thousands injured because of the weather, according to the National Weather Service.

Dangerous weather can take many forms, ranging from violent tornadoes to crippling winter storms. With the notable exception of hurricanes, Iowa can experience any of these dangerous phenomena.

While there is nothing we can do to stop dangerous weather from affecting us, there are things we can do to stay safe when the weather turns nasty.

Weather safety and survival — no matter what the hazard — depends on the following key items:

• Know the hazards — Be aware of the hazards that you might face during a weather event.
• Know when to expect dangerous weather — Monitor forecasts and information from your local National Weather Service Forecast Office.
• Pay attention — Be aware of all watches, warnings, and advisories affecting you.
• Have a Plan to Stay Safe — Think about it before it happens and be ready to act to survive.