In north-central Iowa, natural disasters pose a regular threat. Robust preparation and response to hazards such as severe thunderstorms and flooding, blizzards and extreme heat and drought are critical. Calculated planning, coordination, and action can truly be the difference between life and death. Communities such as Worth County, IA, recognize that oftentimes, it’s a matter of when, not if, Mother Nature will produce conditions that threaten crops, power, homes, and even lives. When disasters do strike, it takes a complete team effort among emergency management services, government, businesses, and community members to respond effectively.
“Preparedness shortens the distance between disruption and normalcy,” said Mark Tomlinson, Worth County Emergency Management Agency Coordinator. “In a place like Worth County, where neighbors take care of neighbors, being prepared ensures that when something does happen, we respond not with panic, but with purpose.”
Pillars of Preparation
Worth County EMA leans on a multifaceted strategic approach in preparing its community for natural disasters.
Public education, like promoting National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radios and mobile alert systems or social media updates, is paramount, as is delivering community presentations on severe weather safety or outreach encouraging residents to have plans for shelter or backup power sources.
Tomlinson oversees direct coordination with a host of local partners, including law enforcement, fire, EMS and public health officials, conducting drills and full-scale exercises while maintaining close ties with state organizations such as Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management.
Relationships with local businesses, school districts, faith-based and volunteer organizations, city public works departments, critical infrastructure providers (utilities, fuel suppliers, healthcare facilities) and more are also key.
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“Preparedness in a rural county really comes down to three pillars: education, coordination, and personal responsibility,” Tomlinson said. “Private sector partnerships are especially critical — grocery stores, fuel providers, assisted living facilities, and large employers all play a role in community resilience.”
Worth County EMA in Action
In 2020, a powerful derecho, or severe windstorm, devastated large segments of the Midwest, including Iowa and Worth County. For Tomlinson and Worth County EMA, it marked a high-stakes moment to spring into action.
While damage was inevitable, the EMA moved swiftly to monitor conditions with the National Weather Service, coordinate public messaging for residents, support first responders, assess damage after the storm, and organize reimbursement and recovery efforts with the state.
“Emergency management is less about flashing lights and more about coordination behind the scenes — making sure the right resources get to the right place at the right time,” Tomlinson said.
The Value of Natural Disaster Readiness
When natural disasters strike, everyone in the community has a role to play in limiting risk and aiding in recovery. Crucially, those roles and relationships transcend county lines.
“We coordinate closely with neighboring counties because disasters don’t respect jurisdictional lines,” Tomlinson continued.
Residents chip in by staying alert, keeping their families safe until help arrives, by stocking supplies and planning. Through preparation and readiness, businesses ensure they reopen quickly, maintaining continuity and services during trying times.
For local government, preparation-rooted resilience in the face of natural disasters allows for expedited recovery and lower long-term costs.
“In Worth County, preparedness is about self-reliance supported by strong community ties,” Tomlinson said. “We are a rural county. When disaster strikes, help may be minutes or miles away, roads may be impassable, power restoration may take time, while farms and small businesses can suffer immediate economic impact. Preparedness protects lives, livelihoods, infrastructure, and community stability.”
Natural disasters can significantly impact local communities and economies without proper planning. Winn-Worth Betco is committed to fostering a culture of readiness and preparation for all categories of natural hazards. Contact us or visit Worth County Emergency Management Agency for more information.
