From City Hall:
Please be weather aware on Wednesday, Dec. 15, as damaging winds are possible across much of Iowa. Central Iowa is expected to see very windy conditions throughout Wednesday, but around 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. (Thursday, Dec. 16), there will be a significant change with around 40 mph sustained wind and 60 to 70 mph gusts. Polk County will activate the outdoor warning sirens within Johnston when winds reach 70+ mph.
Residents can anticipate blown-down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are expected.
Library Procedure:
A Straight Line Wind WARNING is declared when wind speeds reach 70 m.p.h.
Sirens will sound for approximately 3 minutes followed by a 2- to 3-minute silence and then sound again for another 3 minutes. This cycle will repeat until the threat has passed.
When the siren sounds:
- Announce the fact that we are under a Tornado Warning or Straight Line Wind Warning to staff and patrons and that they should move to the designated tornado shelter area (the men’s and women’s restrooms) or leave the library IMMEDIATELY.
- Public Services staff will gather patrons from the east half of the Library.
- Youth Services staff will gather patrons from the YS area including the Story Time room and YS restroom.
- One Circulation staff member will gather patrons from the Commons, Art Gallery, and Large Meeting Room
- The rest of the Circulation staff will lock the front door, put up the weather closure sign, and guide patrons to the restrooms
- A staff member from each department should grab the flashlights/lanterns from the emergency bucket behind their desk.
- If people come to the Commons doors seeking shelter, let them in.