Severe Weather Awarness Week Starts April 13th, 2015 In Southeast Wisconsin

Severe weather can turn on a dime, as we saw with last week’s rain. Though many of think we are prepared for any/every weather event, chances are we are not. For instance, it’s raining and we seek shelter under an overpass, that is fine if it is just rain….however if a tornado is imminent then that is not the place you want to be.

Now I don’t know about you, but when I hear the sirens going off and warnings issued to take cover immediately because severe weather is headed my way, I heed those warnings and get somewhere safe. I was on an outside tennis court last year when the sirens went off, I headed home (about 3 minutes away)to the safety of my basement, yet there were some folks out there who refused to leave. NUTS!

This coming week has been designated Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week and the goal is to make us aware as well as give us the opportunity to practice what to do in the event of severe weather. We have taken the information below from Emergency Management Wisconsin.

Wisconsin’s Tornado & Severe Weather Awareness Week takes place this week April 13-17th, 2015. The theme for this year is Listen, Act and Live!

Did you know that….

• Wisconsin averages 23 tornadoes annually.
• In 2014, 22 tornadoes were reported in Wisconsin by the National Weather Service. 18 of these tornadoes occurred in June. The strongest tornado in 2014 occurred on June 17, when an EF3 tornado hit Verona, in Dane County.
• In 2013, 16 tornadoes touched down in Wisconsin, including 6 tornadoes during the overnight hours of August 6-7. An EF2 struck near New London in Waupaca and Outagamie counties injuring 2 people and causing millions of dollars in damage.

On Thursday, April 16th, 2015 a statewide tornado drill is planned. At 1:00 pm, the National Weather Service will issue a statewide mock tornado watch and at 1:45 pm a statewide mock tornado warning. Many radio and TV stations will participate in the drill. Additionally, NOAA weather radios, will issue alert messaging.

It is important to note that the tornado drill will take place even if the sky is cloudy, dark and/or rainy. If actual severe storms are expected in the state on Thursday April 16, the tornado drill will be postponed until Friday April 17th, with the same times. If by chance, severe storms are possible on Friday, the drill will be cancelled.

Additional maps and information are also posted at http://readywisconsin.wi.gov.

This is a great opportunity for you to practice your tornado emergency plan with your family, friends, and co-workers. Schools will also be participating in this drill. During storm season, follow this message: Listen, Act and Live. Don’t ignore watches and warnings. Listen and take action. Every second counts. Don’t wait….go to a safe place immediately.

Tornado Safety before the Storm:

• Develop a plan for you and your family for home, work, school and outdoors. Know the safest shelter areas, in multiple locations
• Have frequent drills.
• Keep a disaster supply kit in your home including water, food that won’t spoil and needs no heat to serve, a first aid kit, NOAA weather radio (also known as an emergency weather radio), a flashlight and special items for children, pets and elderly family members.
• Be sure your weather radio is working properly. Spring is a great time to install fresh batteries.

Tornado Safety During the Storm:

• In a home or building, avoid windows. Move to a basement, and get under a sturdy table or the stairs. If a basement is not available, move to a small interior room or hallway on the lowest floor and cover yourself with towels, blankets, or pillows. If possible, get under a sturdy table, desk or counter. Put as many walls as possible between you and the storm. Wearing a bike helmet will help protect your head.
• If outdoors, seek shelter in a sturdy building. If you cannot get to shelter, stay in your vehicle with the seatbelt on and place your head below the windows. DO NOT SEEK SHELTER UNDER AN OVERPASS!
• Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes. You should leave a mobile home and go to the designated storm shelter or the lowest floor of a sturdy nearby building.
• At school, go the interior hall or room. Crouch low, head down, and protect the back of your head with your arms. Stay away from windows and large open rooms, like gyms and auditoriums.

For more information on the tornado drill, or severe weather safety, please head to http://emergencymanagement.wi.gov/.

From beginning to end, we can handle 100% of the restoration process so you don’t have to. This can include content pack-outs, cleaning & storage of personal property, structural drying & mitigation, mold remediation, lead & asbestos abatement, and full re-construction services. We are licensed, bonded, and fully insured. We abide by all state and federal laws, and are certified as a “Lead Safe Renovator” with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and accredited with the IICRC.

For more information on Emergency Fire & Water Restoration, or the services we provide, give us a call at 414-810-3522, or visit our website at www.emergencyrest.com