Governor Tony Evers has declared April 13-17th Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week in Wisconsin, and Manitowoc County Emergency Services is encouraging everyone to take time this spring to talk about weather safety with their families. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are encouraging everyone in Manitowoc County to participate in a Statewide “virtual tornado drill” on April 16th.
Because the tornado drill will be virtual this year, the outdoor warning sirens across the County will NOT be sounded and emergency alerts will not be issued on TV and radio.
“With schools being canceled and social distance being encouraged in the workplace we don’t want people practicing a tornado drill in the traditional way were they would gather together in the basement,” said Travis Waack, Emergency Services Director. Instead, we want families to talk at home about where they would take shelter in the home, how they would get alerts, and to learn the difference between a watch and a warning. The following are some tips for families:
• If a tornado or severe weather threatens, take shelter away from windows in an interior room on the lowest level of your home, such as a basement or interior closet.
• Have an emergency kit in your shelter location. For more information go to www.ready.gov/kit
• Download a severe weather alert app on your phone or purchase a NOAA Weather Radio.
• When a severe thunderstorm or tornado watch is issued, it means conditions are favorable for thunderstorms or tornadoes and hazardous conditions may be possible over the next few hours.
• When a severe thunderstorm or tornado warning is issued, it means conditions are imminent or occurring and you should seek shelter immediately.
Remember, outdoor warning sirens are not designed to be heard indoors or wake you up at night. The best way to get warnings is through a phone app or NOAA Weather Radio.
