Bremer County Emergency Management

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It's Time To Prepare for Winter Weather!

Winter weather is variable.  One day may be sunny, but cold, followed by moderate snowfall that lasts for days or a blizzard that dumps a foot of snow in a few hours.  When wind, ice, and low temperatures are added, winter can be a very real threat.  The National Weather Service provides regular forecasts using the following terms:

Winter Storm Outlook - Winter storm conditions are possible in the next 2 to 5 days.

Winter Weather Advisory - Winter weather conditions are expected to impact an area and may be hazardous.  With preparation and caution, such conditions should not be life-threatening.

Winter Storm Watch - Winter storm conditions are possible in the next 36-48 hours.  Those in the watch area should plan for possible impacts - assure adequate supplies of food and medications.  Stay informed about weather conditions.

Winter Storm Warning - Life-threatening, severe winter weather conditions have begun or will begin in the next 24-hours.  People in the warning area should prepare immediately for severe winter weather.  Travel will be difficult, if it is even possible.

Listen to a NOAA Weather Radio or other local news channels for critical information from the National Weather Service (NWS).

During winter storms, drive only when necessary.  At times, snow plows may be pulled off the roads.  When the weather is too dangerous for snowplow drivers, it is too dangerous for motorists.  Winterize your vehicle and keep the gas tank full. 

Don't forget your pets and animals outside in the weather!

Click here for: Preparing for Winter Weather information from Ready.gov.

Click here for Winter Storm Safety Checklists from the American Red Cross.

A Winter Weather Preparedness Message From FEMA:

Bremer County

Bremer County is home to nearly 25,000 residents and many more businesses and industries.  Eight communities are located in Bremer County:

• Denver,
• Frederika,
• Janesville,
• Plainfield,
• Readlyn,
• Sumner,
• Tripoli, and
• Waverly.

Picturesque wooded valleys of the Cedar, Shell Rock, and Wapsipincon Rivers, along with Plum and Crane creeks meander through the rich agricultural ground of Bremer County.

Bremer County Emergency Management

Emergency management in Bremer County is a coordinated effort between local, state, and federal government agencies, as well as individuals, businesses and volunteer organizations.  Since all disasters begin and end at the local level, coordinated preparedness and response efforts are critically important.

Emergency management involves four key concepts:

• Preparedness - Planning, training, and exercising to respond quickly and efficiently to disasters - natural or man-made.
• Response - Actions taken immediately after a disaster strikes.
• Recovery - Coordinated efforts to assist residents and communities to return to "normal" following a disaster.
• Mitigation - The efforts taken to reduce or eliminate risk from hazards.

Emergency Management Structure

The Code of Iowa, Chapter 29C authorizes the formation of Emergency Management Commissions in each county.  Each commission consists of the mayor of each community (or their designee), the Sheriff, and a member of the Board of Supervisors.  Each commission appoints an Emergency Management Coordinator to manage day-to-day activities and to assist as a resource for emergencies.  Bremer County Emergency Management partners with many organizations - from governmental agencies to volunteers, faith-based organizations to private businesses.

Individual and Business Involvement in Emergencies

Successful responses to emergencies are the result of coordinated and continuous planning efforts.  At the individual level, create a family emergency plan.  Know where family members will meet, who will be contacted, and what personal resources are available.  Businesses should consider creating a continuity of operations plan.  This plan will guide a prompt return to operations following a disaster.  Each of us should plan to work together, to assist at the personal, family, neighborhood, community, and county level. 

Volunteer Opportunities

Many volunteer emergency preparedness/response volunteer opportunities exist in Bremer County.  For those with a desire to assist with medical emergencies or with firefighting efforts, each community in the county is in need of EMTs and firefighters.  Contact our office for details.

Residents interested in enhancing their personal preparedness level, along with assisting with community preparedness efforts should consider joining Bremer County CERT.  Bremer County CERT members complete the formal CERT training and then receive regular additional training to assist with preparedness and response efforts.  CERT members frequently have the opportunity to assist emergency responders with exercises - sheltering, severe weather, active shooter, and communications - to name just a few.  Bremer County CERT has an organized Communications Team to support emergency communications functions.  Please consider joining Bremer County CERT!