Statewide Tornado Drill Coming Up; Tips To Stay Safe In Storm

LANSING, MI — It’s Severe Weather Awareness Week in Michigan and state officials are preparing residents for a statewide tornado drill at 1 p.m. April 11. Businesses, organizations, families, and individuals are encouraged to engage in this statewide preparedness activity, but are not required to do so, according to the announcement. Nearly all state of Michigan facilities will participate.

Michigan residents participating in the statewide tornado drill will observe or hear alerts on NOAA Weather Radios and participating TV and radio stations.
While tornadoes can occur during any time of the year, they are especially common during the late spring and early summer months. As one of nature’s most violent storms, they can devastate homes and property in just seconds.

The average lead time for tornadoes to develop is 10-15 minutes, which means residents need to be ready to react quickly when a warning is issued.

“Tornadoes can develop rapidly, with little or no warning. Due to their unpredictable nature, we must be ready well in advance,” said Capt. Chris A. Kelenske, Deputy State Director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security and commander of the MSP/EMHSD. “This is not just about testing emergency alerts; this is an opportunity for Michigan residents and businesses to practice their emergency plans as if it were a real event.”

Officials want residents to know how to handle tornadoes, in case they develop. To be ready for a tornado:

• Identify the lowest place to take cover during a tornado. If a basement does not exist, find an interior hallway away from windows, doors, and outside walls.
• Go under something sturdy, such as a workbench or stairwell, when taking shelter in the basement or designated spot.
• Conduct regular tornado drills. Make sure each household member knows where to go and what to do in the event of a tornado.
• Stay tuned to commercial radio or television broadcasts for news on changing weather conditions or approaching storms.
• Know the difference: a Tornado Watch means conditions exist for a tornado to develop; a Tornado Warning means that a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar.
• Be aware of the following signs that can indicate an approaching tornado:
• Dark, often greenish sky
• Large hail
• A large, dark low-lying cloud
• Loud roar, similar to a freight train
• Develop a 72-hour emergency supply kit with essential items such as a three-day supply of water and food, a NOAA Weather Radio, important family documents and items that satisfy unique family needs.

Gov. Rick Snyder declared the awareness week for April 8-14 and the voluntary drill is being hosted by the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division.

To learn how local alerts are administered in your community and if your community is participating, contact your local emergency management agency.

For more information about being safe before, during and after a tornado, go to follow the MSP/EMHSD on Twitter at @MichEMHS or go to www.michigan.gov/miready. Emergency preparedness information is also available at www.ready.gov/tornadoes.

Image via Shutterstock

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