With severe storm season active in Iowa, Emergency Management Agencies are a key factor in making sure people stay safe, and receive help when they need it.

Adair and Guthrie County Emergency Management Coordinator Jeremy Cooper says that thanks to all the work that former Coordinator Bob Kempf put into their program, it is one of the most respected in the state. He adds that some of the practices Kempf used have helped them and neighboring counties out quite a bit.

“We’re kind of in an area out this way that the radar beam is so high up that they really can’t see low level storms, and of course, our tornadoes are typically at a lower level. So it really helps with us being so active out there in stormwatch and actually giving the National Weather Service confirmation on what they think they’re seeing on their radar and what we’re seeing on the ground.”

Cooper explains that having a good working relationship with the other entities in the counties they serve has also been helpful, as when events do happen and emergency services are needed, everyone works well together to accomplish what needs to be done.