Michigan Severe Weather Awareness Week is April 8 - April 14. This week emergency management partners statewide are encouraging Michiganders to conduct a statewide tornado drill at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 11. 
All businesses, organizations, families and individuals are welcome to participate in the voluntary statewide preparedness activity. Nearly all state of Michigan facilities will be participating. While tornadoes can occur any time of the year, they are especially common during the late spring and early summer months according to the Michigan Committee for Severe Weather Awareness (MCSWA), a coalition formed in 1991 to promote safety awareness and coordinate public information efforts regarding tornadoes, flooding, lightning and winter weather.
As one of nature’s most violent storms, they can devastate homes and property in just
seconds. The average lead time for tornadoes is 10 to 15 minutes which is why Michigan citizens are encouraged to prepare and plan before a tornado strikes.
Here are some tips to prepare your family for a tornado according to MCSWA:
  • Create an emergency preparedness kit for your home.
  • Develop and implement a family communications plan with family members living in your home.
  • Listen to your NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio or television newscasts for the latest information.
  • Be aware of the danger signs indicating a tornado.
For more information and information about Tornado and Thunderstorm Safety, Flood Preparation and Planning, Lightning Safety and Disaster Preparedness for Pets visit mcswa.com, nws.noaa.gov/om/tornado,michigan.gov/miready.

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