Statewide drill readies residents for severe weather

Steele County Emergency Manager Mike Johnson wants area residents to participate in the statewide tornado drill slated for Thursday, April 15.
During the afternoon and evening drills, local sirens and all NOAA Weather Radios in Minnesota will sound with a simulated tornado warning. Johnson said these drills allow everyone to review their emergency plans and procedures and practice emergency drills at work or home.
Tornadoes generally occur in Minnesota from March to November and last year, the state recorded more than 50 tornadoes. That’s nearly double the long-term annual average of 28 twisters reported by the Minnesota Climate Working Group between 1950 and 2018. The largest tornado outbreak in one day in Minnesota is 48 tornadoes on June 17, 2010. That outbreak hit southern Steele County as well as Freeborn County.
“The first responsibility for weather safety is an individual responsibility,” said Johnson. “The Weather Service is good about putting out watches and warnings, but people have to pay attention and heed them.”
The first drill will occur at 1:45 p.m. when cities across Minnesota sound their outdoor warning sirens. Schools, businesses and other facilities are encouraged to conduct a tornado drill at this time to practice their emergency tornado sheltering plans. NOAA Weather Radios will activate with the weekly test code.
A second drill will occur at 6:45 p.m., again with cities across the state sounding their outdoor warning sirens. This second drill allows second-shift workers, individuals and families the opportunity to practice their own emergency plans at home.
“Remember, there is no such thing as an all-clear siren,” said Johnson, adding that the safest place to be when a tornado warning has been issued is the basement or an inside room without windows on the lowest floor (bathroom, closet, center hallway).
All mobile home parks in Steele County have a shelter, according to Johnson. “Don’t stay in your mobile home.”
Today’s drills offer parents the perfect opportunity to teach their children the safe and correct things to do when a tornado warning is issued, said Johnson. “Don’t grab a beer and head for the front porch. Head for the basement and stay away from doors and windows.”
Johnson said today’s drills offer families an opportunity to discuss the safest place to shelter in their home, talk about where they would meet if separated during severe weather, and create an emergency supply kit.
Emergency supply kits can help families if the power goes out or if they are trapped inside a damaged home. A simple kit should include a three-day supply of water and food, a flashlight, and a whistle to alert authorities. If families need to evacuate, they should have money, identification, a cell phone and charger, bottled water and snacks ready to bring with them.
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DPS-HSEM) partners with the National Weather Service and local emergency managers to promote Severe Weather Awareness Week. To learn more about alerts and warnings, severe weather, lightning and hail, floods and extreme heat, visit the state department of homeland security’s website at https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/hsem/weather-awareness-preparedness.