The Iowa Department of Education stands ready to assist schools in preparing for, and responding to, disasters. Iowa Code defines "disaster" as man-made and natural occurrences—such as fire, flood, drought, earthquake, tornado, windstorm, hazardous substance or nuclear power plant accident or incident—that threaten the public peace, health, and safety of the people or that damage and destroy public or private property. The term also includes attack, sabotage, or other hostile action within or outside the state. School administrators may contact the Department with questions and may access these sources of information:
Disaster Recovery FAQ – Answers questions regarding the definition of "disaster," environmental hazards, outstanding debt, records and reports, enrollment and tuition, accounting, School Budget Review Committee, AEAs and Juvenile Home classrooms, and transportation.
Iowa County Emergency Management
Technical Assistance – The Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools (REMS) Technical Assistance (TA) Center at the U.S. Department of Education provides support to schools before, during, and after emergencies.