Wisconsin’s Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week is April 15-19. Lincoln County Emergency Management, along with Wisconsin Emergency Management and the National Weather Service are conducting a statewide tornado drill on Thursday, April 18. A mock Tornado Watch will be issued at 1 p.m. and a mock Tornado Warning at 1:45 p.m. Wisconsin broadcast radio, TV and cable channels will also participate. This drill will also test your emergency weather radio (also known as a NOAA weather radio). This is a great time to make sure your family is ready for tornado season. It is also a great time to remember the important lessons learned from tornado outbreaks across the country.
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 (also known as an emergency weather radio).
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. You can also see tornado survival stories from those who lived through disaster thanks to their emergency weather radio.