Severe Weather Emergencies
Knowing what to do in an emergency can help prevent disaster. Review tips on how to prepare for a few emergencies common to our area:
Severe Thunderstorms | High Winds | Tornadoes | Power Outages & Backup Generator Guidelines
Emergency Preparedness Overview | Supply Kit & Safety Plan Template
Neighborhood Resource Centers
When there is a major disaster and critical infrastructure such as electrical power, cellular phone service, and Internet is disrupted, the City of Cedar Rapids wants residents to be able to go to a nearby Neighborhood Resource Center (NRC) for information or resources.
- Tune into emergency radio stations WMT 600 AM or 96.5 FM to learn which NRCs have been activated following an emergency.
- Sign up for text and email alerts from the City of Cedar Rapids at CRNewsNow.com or download the City's smartphone app Mobile CR.
Neighborhood Resource Center Locations | Emergency Preparedness Overview
Neighborhood P.A.C.T.
Everybody can take steps to prepare for emergencies.
Knowing what to do before and after an emergency can help prevent a worse disaster. To prepare for an emergency, you should:
- Learn about different types of emergencies
- Learn how to respond to those emergencies
- Develop a family emergency plan
- Build an emergency supply kit
- Get involved in your community to train for emergencies and volunteer help after a disaster
» Download Neighborhood P.A.C.T. flyer
» Download Emergency Supply Kit Checklist
» Monthly Emergency Preparedness Topics
EMERGENCY CONTACTS
- Police, Fire or Medical Emergency | Call 9-1-1
- Alliant Energy | 1-800-255-4268
- Linn County REC | 1-888-271-6250
- Mid-American Energy | 1-800-595-5325
- Police/Fire Non-Emergency | 319-286-5491
What happens during an emergency?
The City uses the Incident Command System, to command, control, coordinate and manage emergencies. Following an emergency, an after-action review is important to identify opportunities for improvements in future emergency situations. Everybody can prepare for emergencies by having resources and plans ready to go when the next disaster strikes.
Prepare
When a major disaster occurs, you may need to survive on your own for several days. Assemble a disaster supply kit with at least a three-day supply of food and water, battery-powered radio, flashlight, first aid kit, extra batteries, whistle, dust mask, plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place), moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation), wrench or pliers (to shut off utilities), can opener (for food), and a cellular phone with backup battery.
» Download our Emergency Supply Kit Checklist
Act
Your family may not be together if a disaster strikes, so it is important to know what types of disasters could affect your area. Know how you’ll contact one another and reconnect if separated. Establish a family meeting place that’s familiar and easy to find.
» Download our Emergency Action Plan template
» Learn more ways to build your plan and become emergency-ready at ready.gov/plan.
Communicate
- Receive Text Alerts from the City of Cedar Rapids
Sign up at CRNewsNow.com or through the City's smartphone app Mobile CR. - Tune into Your Radio
Emergency Alert System Radio Stations: WMT 600 AM and 96.5 FM - Receive Weather Alerts
Get an All Hazards NOAA Weather Radio - Visit a Neighborhood Resource Center (NRC)
Located strategically across the community, NRCs have been selected to act as distribution points for information and resources following a major disaster. Tune into emergency radio stations to learn which NRCs have been activated following an emergency. Locations participating as NRCs include:- Bender Pool, 940 14th Ave SE
- Cherry Hill Park, 341 Stoney Point Rd NW
- Jones Park, 2901 Fruitland Blvd SW
- Cedar Rapids Public Library
- Downtown Location, 450 5th Avenue SE
- Ladd Library, 3750 Williams Blvd SW
- Lindale Mall, 4444 1st Avenue NE
- Maranatha Bible Church, 521 3rd Avenue SW
- St. Paul's Methodist Church, 1340 3rd Avenue SE
- NW Recreation Center, 1340 11th Street NW
- National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, 1400 Inspiration Place SW
- Fillmore Center, 520 11th Street NW
Thank you to all our community partners for your help in distributing important information and resources following emergency situations.
Train
A “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” approach helps individuals rely on people in their neighborhood for assistance within the first 72 hours after a disaster. Neighbors can share information and resources. Also, consider getting training and volunteer for humanitarian organizations like the American Red Cross, The Salvation Army, and the United Way of East Central Iowa.
