Did you know that April 13 through April 17 is Minnesota Severe Weather Awareness Week? Every year, Minnesota’s Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) collaborates with the National Weather Service and 16 different state and local agencies and organizations to raise awareness of the seasonal threats that severe weather can bring. The intent is to teach Minnesota residents how to avoid severe weather or, if they cannot avoid the bad weather, what to do before, during and after the severe weather hits.
Severe Weather Awareness Week features two very important events: two statewide tornado drills. On Thursday, April 16, sirens throughout the state will be tested to ensure that they all work properly in the event of a tornado. And these tests are a great time for residents to practice their tornado drills and to educate their families on what to do when the alarm sounds for real. The drills will be held at 1:45 p.m. and 6:55 p.m. During these drills, all statewide sirens will sound off and all NOAA weather radios in Minnesota will also sound the warning alarm.
On average, Minnesota experiences 40 tornadoes a year. The record was set in 2010 when 104 tornadoes touched down throughout the state.
Each day of Severe Weather Awareness Week will focus on a different topic:
Monday: Alerts and warnings
Tuesday: Severe weather, lightning and hail
Wednesday: Floods
Thursday: Tornadoes (including statewide tornado alarm tests and drills)
Friday: Extreme heat
If you visit the Severe Weather Awareness Week site, linked to above, you can get more information about each day’s topics.
Emergency preparedness is especially important this time of year. While the warmer temperatures and milder weather are both great for outdoor activities and fun, the weather can change at the drop of a hat. It can go from sunny and pleasant to stormy and dangerous in a matter of minutes. And when you hear a tornado siren go off, it is imperative that you and your loved ones know what to do and where to go so everyone is as safe as possible.
And if the worst does happen and a tornado or another severe weather event affects you, call us at Norcia Insurance Consultants. We are public insurance adjusters serving the entire state of Minnesota, as well as Wisconsin. Call us when you need help with your insurance claims. We can help make sure you get the money you deserve from your insurance company.
Call 866-512-LOSS (5677) or Schedule a Free Consultation.
