Be Tornado Wise-4/2/2024

(Marinette County, WI) This year Wisconsin’s Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week is April 8-
12, this includes a statewide tornado drill on April 11, 2024, which provides two opportunities for people
to practice their tornado safety plan at school, work, and home at 1:45 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. In the event
severe weather is in the forecast for April 11, the test may be postponed to the following day. Any change
in the date would be announced on the ReadyWisconsin website. This week is meant to encourage people
to develop or review their severe weather and tornado plans, so they are fresh in their minds before the
risk of severe storms increases.
The best way to protect you and your family during severe weather is to have a NOAA weather/all-hazards
radio. The radio will tell you when a watch or warning is in effect. The radio’s alarm feature can wake
you up at night. Look for a radio with S-A-M-E technology that lets you program it to alert you only for
the emergencies that affect your area. Outdoor warning sirens are meant for people that are outdoors.
Please note that the Wisconsin drill no longer includes a test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) so there
will not be a push notification on cellphones or a test watch/warning. Local television and radio
broadcasters may or may not participate. Some communities may still choose to test their outdoor
warnings sirens during the designated drill times. Communities should rest assured that the EAS is still
regularly tested on weather radios and TV/radio stations. In Marinette County, those communities with
outdoor warning sirens test them weekly on Fridays.
Now is the time for you to practice your family shelter plan, prepare your emergency supply and food kit,
and plan how your family will stay in touch if you’re separated. Be a good neighbor and make sure others
in your community are prepared, and don’t forget your pets. Go to Readywisconsin.wi.gov to learn more
about getting a kit, making a plan, and staying informed.
# # #