Tornadoes strike fear in the hearts of Iowans

You’re watching your favorite program and a weather map pops into the corner of the screen. Your county is in a “tornado watch.” Do you know what to do?

A tornado watch means conditions are favorable for a tornado to develop. You need to listen for changes, particularly an upgrade to “tornado warning” status. A tornado warning means a tornado has been sighted or indicated by radar. If you are in the path of the storm, you should take immediate action.

Protect yourself indoors
Before spring and summer storms hit, designate an area in your home where family members should take shelter during a tornado warning. A basement is a good place, but stay away from windows and sturdy furniture or a stairwell. Protect yourself from flying debris with blankets, quilts, or an unused mattress stored in the shelter area.

If you don’t have a basement or if you live in a multifamily dwelling, go to the lowest and most central part of the building. Avoid exterior walls and windows. Look for a small room, closet, or hallway. Ask if there is a designated area for the multifamily building.

If you live in a mobile home, evacuation is a must. Find shelter in a nearby permanent structure. Mobile home parks often have a designated area for residents.

Protect yourself outdoors
If you are caught outside, lie flat in a nearby ditch or low-lying area where wind and debris can blow above you. Cover your head and neck with your arms and hands. Rain can accompany a tornado, so be aware of potential flooding.

Have an action plan
Develop a tornado plan for your family and prepare for weather situations now. Practice what to do frequently so it becomes second nature to your family members. Have a weather radio and a map to take with you in the shelter so you can track the storm.

Cities Near Metro Area See Growth Spilling Over

BY JOHN FERAK

Mills County is one of the 10 fastest-growing counties in Iowa.

In anticipation of future growth, Glenwood plans to build a new high school and convert its current building built in the 1960s into a middle school.

This fall, the largest housing development ever proposed in Mills County got under way. Craig Nakamoto's 350-unit Lake Ohana subdivision north of Glenwood calls for three private lakes and a small retail district for a restaurant, bank and grocery.

Inside city limits, several subdivisions with 25 to 50 units have popped up during the past few years in this city of 5,800. On the downtown's outskirts, a new $5 million YMCA is slated to open in May.

"Glenwood will continue to be a nice place to live," said Larry Winum, president of the Glenwood State Bank.

Winum has worked with Congress for several years to secure federal funding for a new four-lane bridge connecting Sarpy County, Neb., and Mills County at U.S. Highway 34. Construction is not anticipated for at least four years.

"It's taken longer than I would have liked to get done, but it will happen over time," he said. "We still need more commercial and industrial (businesses) to come to our area to help our tax base.

"But I see good things continuing for Glenwood and Mills County. Over the next few years, the Interstate 29 corridor is going to take off. There is nowhere for Omaha to go but south."