Des Moines County Emergency Management Agency

Des Moines County Emergency Management Agency Planning for/leading the coordination of incidents/planned events to safeguard the whole community.

High temperatures combined with elevated humidity will create dangerous heat index values over the coming days. These co...
08/31/2026

High temperatures combined with elevated humidity will create dangerous heat index values over the coming days. These conditions can quickly lead to heat-related illnesses, especially for older adults, young children, people with chronic medical conditions, outdoor workers, and those without access to air conditioning.

Stay safe by following these heat safety tips:
💧 Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
🏠 Spend as much time as possible in air-conditioned buildings.
☀️ Avoid strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day, typically between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM.
👕 Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
🚗 Never leave children, older adults, or pets in a parked vehicle—even for a minute.
👥 Check on neighbors, family members, and friends who may be more vulnerable to the heat.

⚠️ Know the signs of heat-related illness. If someone becomes confused, loses consciousness, has a high body temperature, or stops sweating, call 911 immediately. Heat stroke is a life-threatening emergency.

❄️ Need a place to cool off? The following cooling centers are available in Des Moines County:
📍 Burlington Public Library
📍 Transitions DMC (anytime the feels like temperature is over 100 degrees)

If you or someone you know needs relief from the heat, please take advantage of these cooling centers.

🚨🚒 Touch a Truck + Our New MESS Trailer! 🚒🔋We’re excited to be part of the Rotary Touch a Truck event today! We’re bring...
08/29/2026

🚨🚒 Touch a Truck + Our New MESS Trailer! 🚒🔋

We’re excited to be part of the Rotary Touch a Truck event today! We’re bringing along one of our newest emergency management resources—our MESS trailer (Mobile Electric Storage System)! 🔋⚡

We’re also especially thankful for the cooler weather today, making it a perfect day to get outside, connect with our community, and show off some of the equipment and resources we have available to help during emergencies.

So, what is a MESS trailer?

Our Mobile Electric Storage System is essentially a large, mobile battery system that can provide reliable electrical power when and where it’s needed. During an emergency, power outages, severe weather events, or extended incidents, having access to portable power can be an important part of keeping critical operations running.

The MESS trailer can help provide power for things like emergency response equipment, communications, lighting, temporary operations, and other critical needs—without always relying on traditional generators.

Having this capability gives emergency management another tool in the toolbox to help our community and our response partners stay operational, connected, and prepared when the power goes out. ⚡💪

Today, though, we’re happy to put the emergency response hat aside for a little while and enjoy connecting with our community! Stop by the Touch a Truck event, check out the MESS trailer, ask questions, and say hello! Event is at the Westland Mall in West Burlington until 1 PM.

A big thank-you to Rotary for hosting this great community event, and to everyone who came out to enjoy the day with us!

Stay safe, stay prepared, and enjoy the cooler weather! 🍃☀️🔋

08/21/2026

Isolated severe storms are possible this afternoon and evening mainly between 3 - 10pm. Highest coverage is anticipated along and east of the Mississippi River, with damaging wind and large hail the primary threats. However, an isolated tornado can’t be totally ruled out. Remember, when thunder roars, head indoors!

08/20/2026

📢 MEDIAPOLIS OUTDOOR WARNING SIREN TEST

WHEN: Friday, August 21 at 12:15 PM

Emergency Management in conjunction with Des Moines County Communications - Descom will conduct a test of the Mediapolis Outdoor Warning Siren on Friday, August 21, at 12:15 PM.

During the siren activation on Wednesday, August 19, the siren did NOT complete its second cycle as expected. We are working to correct the issue and ensure the siren is operating properly for the next bout of severe weather.

Because of this, Friday’s test will include at least TWO full siren cycles. Residents may hear the siren sound more than once during the test.

At this time, no severe weather is expected for Friday. However, if severe weather is expected or develops, the test will be canceled.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to ensure the warning system is ready when it is needed.

08/19/2026

[4:40 PM August 19] Flash Flood Warning including Burlington IA, West Burlington IA and Beaverdale IA until 10:30 PM CDT.

08/19/2026

**WARNING EXPIRED**

Des Moines Co Alerts:

Tornado Warning issued August 19 at 2:53PM CDT until August 19 at 3:30PM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL

At 252 PM CDT, a confirmed tornado was located over Morning Sun, or 7 miles southwest of Wapello, moving southeast at 5 mph.

HAZARD...Tornado.

SOURCE...Weather spotters confirmed tornado.

IMPACT...Expect damage to mobile homes, roofs, and vehicles.

Get to your safe place now!

08/19/2026

🚨 WE’RE HIRING! 🚨

Looking for a career where every call matters? Join the DESCOM 911 team as a full-time 911 Telecommunicator and make a real difference in your community!

📞 Starting wage at $23.94/hour
💼 Competitive benefits, including IPERS
🕐 Must be available to work all shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays

If you’re ready for a fast-paced, rewarding career in public safety, apply today!

👉 Visit www.descom911.com/employment for the application and details. Email your application to [email protected]

08/19/2026

Scattered thunderstorms to develop this afternoon south of I-80 and last into the evening. There is a Marginal Risk, Level 1 out of 5, for a few of these storms to turn severe with the primary hazards being large hail, gusty winds, lightning, and heavy rain.

08/19/2026

We'll see a chance for showers and storms area-wide today, with those chances shifting mainly south of I-80 by this afternoon through evening ahead of a cold front. Peak storm coverage will be from 3-10 pm and especially along/south of Hwy 34 with isolated severe storms possible. Damaging winds, hail and localized flash flooding are the main storm hazards.

Address

13700 Washington Road
West Burlington, IA
52655

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

(319)2085660

Website

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