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This is Wisconsin Tornado & Severe Weather Awareness Week, which will include a statewide tornado drill at 1 p.m. on Thursday, April 14.
The following media release is from Kenosha County Emergency Management:
Did you know that most tornado touchdowns occur between 4:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.? That’s why the State of Wisconsin has added a second tornado drill to allow families and businesses the chance to test their tornado and severe weather plans. Governor Walker has declared April 11-15, 2016 as Wisconsin’s Tornado & Severe Weather Awareness Week. Kenosha County Emergency Management, Wisconsin Emergency Management, the National Weather Service (NWS) and the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association (WBA) have once again teamed up to sponsor the statewide tornado drill scheduled for Thursday, April 14. On Thursday, April 14, 2016, a mock tornado watch will be used at 1:00 p.m. A mock tornado warning will be issued statewide at 1:45 p.m. In addition, for the first time, a mock tornado warning will also be issued at 6:55 p.m. Many radio and TV stations across the state will issue the test tornado warnings. In addition, mock alerts will be issued on NOAA Weather Radios and many communities will sound their tornado sirens. The statewide tornado drill is a great opportunity for schools, businesses and families to test their emergency plans about what to do and where to go when severe weather strikes. 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 14, the tornado drills will be postponed until Friday, April 15 with the same times. If severe storms are possible Friday the drills will be cancelled. What can you do? Listen, Act and Live! Listen: When severe weather is possible (Thunderstorm or Tornado Watch issued) pick a credible source of information and keep in touch with that source until the danger has passed. One of the best tools is a NOAA weather radio. If you don’t have one, get one. Act: When you hear a Tornado Warning (tornado seen by spotters or detected on radar) seek the best shelter you can find immediately. Don’t waste time checking multiple sources of information. You may have only seconds to find a safe place. Live: Your chances of survival multiply by getting to that shelter right away. Hopefully the storm will pass with no damage. But don’t risk your life on a hope.For more information visit the ReadyWisconsin website: http://readywisconsin.wi.gov. You’ll find great information on how to protect you and your family from tornadoes and other severe weather threats. If you need further information, please contact your county emergency management director Lt. Gil Benn at 262-605-7900, or Tod Pritchard attod.pritchard@wisconsin.gov or 608-242-3324.
