Are you ready for severe weather? Each year, Todd County in collaboration with HSEM, National Weather Service and local agencies sponsors Severe Weather Awareness Week in Todd County. The week is designed to refresh, remind and educate everyone about the seasonal threats from severe weather and how to avoid them. It’s also a great time to make and practice your emergency plan and [youtube http://youtube.com/w/?v=cLOTtopDl5w&feature=plcp&context=C4c52e85VDvjVQa1PpcFNc9lN89jAgpYA_bfcPav3K0Z-JmLIFoxc%3D] or refresh your emergency preparedness kit.
Two of the most important events during Severe Weather Awareness Week are the annual statewide tornado drills when sirens across the state will sound off. These drills are scheduled for Thursday, April 16, 2015 at 1:45 p.m. and 6:55 p.m. If severe weather is in the area Todd County will not sound off the sirens.
Learn more about the sirens in Todd County please visit Understanding Todd County Outdoor Warning Sirens
Outdoor warning sirens and NOAA Weather Radios will sound in a simulated tornado warning. The first drill is intended for institutions and businesses. The evening drill is intended for second shift workers and families.
If you are interested in some ideas on how you, your family, business, or your community can participate in Severe Weather Awareness Week, check out some ideas on this list
Educators, leaders or communicators may want to use this Severe Weather Awareness Week PowerPoint Presentation to help deliver this information.
Why Severe Weather Awareness Week?
According to the National Weather Service, Minnesota experiences an average of 40 tornadoes per year. In 2012, 37 twisters touched down. A record was set in 2010 with 104 tornadoes across the state.
Understanding this threat and knowing what to do when a tornado is approaching can save lives.
Take advantage of Severe Weather Awareness Week to review your own and your family’s emergency procedures and prepare for weather-related hazards.
Each day of the week will focus on a different topic:
- Monday — Alerts and Warnings
- Tuesday — Severe Weather, Lightning and Hail
- Wednesday — Floods
- Thursday — Tornadoes (with statewide tornado drills)
- Friday — Extreme Heat
Check each page link above for specific information about these topics, including factsheets, checklists, data and other resources.
Don’t forget! The statewide tornado drills are Thursday, April 16, 2015 at 1:45 P.M. and 6:55 P.M.
Local county sirens and all NOAA Weather Radios in Minnesota will sound with a simulated tornado warning for both afternoon and evening drills. This is a great opportunity to review emergency plans and procedures, and conduct emergency drills at work and at home.
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