Severe Weather and Tornado Awareness Week

Even though it feels completely like winter, we have technically entered spring, which means it's time for Severe Weather and Tornado Awareness Week. This event is designed to help teach Wisconsin residents about weather hazards and provides resources to minimize the risks associated with severe weather.

In case you were looking for things to teach this week, here is some information about Severe Weather and Tornado Awareness Week: Wisconsin Tornado Awareness Week 2018 .   Please feel free to use what you'd like in class or to send home.

The statewide Tornado Drill will be on Thursday, April 12th at 1:45, but due to the Forward Exam schedule, we will complete our Tornado Drill on Friday afternoon.  In addition to the Tornado Drill, we will also practice the other Safety Drills, to include a Hold, Lock Down and Fire Drill (weather permitting).  We will quickly review these at our short staff meeting Thursday morning (Late Start).  A notice went home in last week's Family Newsletter regarding the upcoming Safety Drills. 

Link to 2017-18 HOULTON Tornado Drill Map

Please let Sue or Suzie know if you have any questions,
Sue

Additional Information:

Statewide Tornado Drills 

The most important events during Severe Weather Awareness Week are the two annual statewide tornado drills.  These drills are scheduled for Thursday, April 12, 2018 at 1:45 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. (Counties may choose to opt out of the drills if actual severe weather is possible in the area)
 

Outdoor warning sirens and NOAA Weather Radios will sound in a simulated tornado warning. The first drill is intended for institutions and businesses. The evening drill is intended for second shift workers and families.

Why Severe Weather Awareness Week?

Wisconsin averages 23 tornadoes annually.  The National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed 23 tornadoes in the state in 2017.  This included an EF3 tornado on May 16th that traveled 83 miles through four counties, killing one person and causing widespread damage. Understanding this threat and knowing what to do when a tornado is approaching can save lives.

 

Take advantage of Severe Weather Awareness Week to review your own and your family's emergency procedures and prepare for weather-related hazards.

 

Each day of the week focuses on a different weather safety topic (resources from Minnesota):

• Monday — Alerts and Warnings
• Tuesday — Severe Weather, Lightning and Hail
• Wednesday — Floods
• Thursday — Tornadoes (with statewide tornado drills)
• Friday — Extreme Heat

Check each page link above for specific information about these topics, including factsheets, checklists, data and other resources.

 

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