Michigan Plans Statewide Tornado Drill Wednesday

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A statewide tornado drill will place at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday as part of activities during Severe Weather Awareness Week in Michigan, April 10-16.

Additionally, some areas will conduct tests of their outdoor warning sirens. In Oakland County, for example, sirens will sound at 1 p.m. on Wednesday.

The purpose of the statewide drill is to educate Michiganders about the danger of tornadoes and other severe weather permits. Government agencies, organizations are encouraged to participate, but are not required to do so.

However, nearly all state facilities will take part in the drill, according to the Michigan State Police, which is sponsoring Severe Weather Awareness Week, along with the Committee for Severe Weather Awareness.

Tornadoes can occur during any time of the year, but 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.

In the event of severe weather, the statewide tornado drill will be postponed until 1:30 p.m.on Thursday.

Please share this post with your neighbors. Officials have asked residents to publicize the date and time of the test to help stop calls to 911 or to local police and fire departments.

Image credit: NOAA via Flickr / Creative Commons