Owatonna Fire Department is joining the Minnesota Department of Public Safety and the National Weather Service in promoting general weather safety this week for Severe Weather Awareness Week. This is the perfect time for residents to practice their preparedness for the variety of severe weather hazards that occur in Minnesota.
Today’s focus is on tornadoes and features two statewide mock tornado drills.
Tornado Drill Day – April 7, 2022
Each year, the MN Department of Public Safety (DPS) (in partnership with the National Weather Service and other state and local government agencies) sponsors Severe Weather Awareness Week. Each day of the week focuses on a different topic. The highlight are two statewide tornado drills on Thursday. During the drills, local sirens and all National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radios will sound with a simulated tornado warning. These drills give everyone the opportunity to review their emergency plans and procedures and practice emergency drills at work or at home.
The first drill occurs on Thursday, April 7 at 1:45 pm. The second drill occurs on Thursday, April 7 at 6:45 pm. The outdoor warning sirens will sound, and NOAA weather radios will activate with the weekly test code. If real severe weather is a significant threat on or before drill day, the National Weather Service's offices may postpone the simulated watch and warning to Friday.
Tornado Safety Information
- Tornadoes may strike quickly with little warning.
- Tornadoes can occur any time of day or night but often occur between 3 pm and 8 pm.
- Flying debris is very dangerous, and most often the cause of death and injuries
- Every tornado should be seen as life-threatening
During a Tornado Watch
- Be alert to changing weather conditions
- Have a plan for severe weather, including a safe sheltering place
- Monitor weather conditions
During a Tornado Warning
- Find shelter immediately
- Seek shelter in a basement, storm shelter, or interior room away from windows on the lowest floor
- Leave mobile homes or trailers
- If outside when a tornado warning is issued:
- Lie flat in a ditch or depression and cover your head
- Do not get under an overpass or bridge
- If in a vehicle, stop and find shelter in a strong building nearby
- Watch for flying debris
After the Storm
If impacted by tornado damage, there are a few important things to remember. Listen to local officials, stay up-to-date on the forecast, contact family members, and be mindful of debris (such as glass and nails) and downed power lines. Have a working radio with batteries, and use flashlights instead of candles to avoid starting fires.
More information is available on the Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) and National Weather Service (NWS) websites.