Severe Weather Awareness Week April 12-16, 2021
Monday - Alerts and Warnings: We are fortunate to live in an age where technology can now communicate with us almost anywhere and give us advanced warnings of impending weather and hazards. Sign up for Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) on your mobile devices. Know the difference between advisories, watches and warnings… A way to remember the difference is a “watch” is just that, watch the time and watch the sky. “Warning” has an “r” in the word. The “r” is for “run for shelter” Make sure that you understand the difference and know where your safe shelter areas are wherever you are.
Tuesday - Severe Weather - Lightning and Hail: When a severe thunderstorm threatens, stay inside a strong structure. Thunderstorms can produce straight line winds that exceed 100 mph. That is just as strong as some tornadoes! Remember, lightning is close enough to hit you if you can hear thunder. “When it Roars, Go Indoors.”
Wednesday-Floods: 6 inches of water reaches the bottom of many cars and causes them to stall or lose control. A foot of water floats many vehicles and two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including SUV’s and pick-ups. Remember, “Turn Around, Don’t Drown”.
Thursday - Tornadoes: Make sure that you and your family have a plan on where the tornado safe area in your home is located. Learn the safest places to shelter if you are not in your home…in a car or truck, in the open outdoors, in a shopping mall, store or stadium, in a church or theater, and at school. Practice with your children during the statewide tornado drill to help them learn what to do if they are home alone during severe weather. Don't forget!
The statewide tornado drills are scheduled for Thursday, April 15th at 1:45 P.M. and 6:45 P.M.
The outdoor warning sirens will sound for the full 3 minutes on the day of the scheduled drill. The outdoor warning sirens are also tested the first Wednesday of the month (April-October) at 1:00 pm and will sound for the full 3 minutes as well.
IMPORTANT: There is no “All-Clear” siren. If the warning sirens are sounded again the threat is still imminent, so stay in your shelter or safe area and continually monitor to get more information.
Friday - Extreme Heat: Extreme heat is very dangerous. NEVER leave children, disabled adults or pets in a parked vehicle, even just a few minutes can be deadly for them. Each year dozens of children and untold numbers of pets left in parked vehicles die from hyperthermia, which can even occur on a mild day.
Check out the Minnesota HSEM website for information on Severe Weather Awareness