Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared March 19-25 as Michigan’s Severe Weather Awareness Week, according to Michigan State Police, or MSP.
The Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division is asking residents to act by participating in a voluntary statewide tornado drill at 1 p.m. Wednesday.
Michigan averages 15 tornadoes each year, according to the National Weather Service.
“We are approaching the anniversary of the deadly EF3 tornado that devastated the city of Gaylord last year,” Captain Kevin Sweeney, deputy state director of emergency management and commander of the Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division, said.
Businesses, organizations, families, and individuals are encouraged but not required to engage in the statewide preparedness activity, according to state police.
Residents are to observe or hear alerts on TV, radio stations, and outdoor sirens in their community if local emergency management agencies are participating during the drill.
“It serves as an important reminder to take steps now to prepare and create a plan to protect your home, your family, and your pets," Sweeney said.
- Gaylord tornado: Tornado strikes northern Michigan, causing extensive damage
Residents can contact their local emergency management agency to learn how local alerts are administered in the community or if their community is participating, according to Michigan State Police.
“This drill gives people a chance to make a plan and put it to the test, so we are all better prepared when a disaster strikes,” Sweeney said.
The average lead time for tornadoes to develop is 10-15 minutes, MSP said, this means residents need to be ready to react when a warning is issued.
According to Michigan State Police, to be ready for a tornado:
- Know the difference: tornado watch means conditions exist for a tornado to develop, tornado warning means a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar.
- Know the signs of an approaching tornado: dark, often greenish sky, large hail, a large, dark low-lying cloud, and a loud roar, like a freight train.
- Listen to the commercial radio or television broadcasts for news on changing weather conditions or approaching storms.
- Develop an emergency preparedness kit with essential items such as a three-day water and food supply, a NOAA Weather Radio, important family documents, and items that satisfy unique family needs.
- Identify a safe place in your home for household members and pets to gather during a tornado.
- Make sure everyone understands the tornado warning system in your area.
- Engage with your local emergency manager to find out if they are participating.
Additional information can be found online.