Statewide tornado drills planned for April 20
Walworth County Sheriff Kurt Picknell and Emergency Management Director Lt. John Ennis recently announced the Weather Spotter courses for Walworth County, including an event in Sharon on April 19.
Each year in preparation for the “storm season” the National Weather Service and Wisconsin Emergency Management team up with local emergency managers and local partners to present storm spotter classes. The goal of these classes is to inform the public on what to watch for and how to stay safe in the event of a tornado or major storm.
It is incredibly important to remain aware and vigilant during this time, with homeowners taking into account what they must do in case of a storm coming, especially in high extreme weather areas like this. It may be wise for residents to look into supplies like sandbags, Outdoor car covers, window shields, etc. so damage is at least reduced.
Also of great importance is how to receive the most current and up-to-date information for your area, according to a press release from the county.
“We all know that storm sirens sound for tornados, but did you know that not all areas have storm sirens? Depending on the wind or if you are indoors you may not be able to hear the siren,” the release states.
The best source of weather information is a weather radio, which provides detailed and timely information for your area. Once you receive this alert on the weather radio you can tune into your local TV or radio station and continue to receive up to the minute information on storms in your area.
Attending a storm spotter class will help people understand the significance of storm warnings and provide them with information on how to stay safe during a storm.
Included in the training are brochures that include important information on items related to storms, including lightning, myths and truths about tornados, work and school safety, NOAA weather radios, flooding and flash flooding family disaster planning and the difference between watches and warnings.
Those able to attend a storm spotter session are encouraged to bring a friend and bring their kids and learn how to “Stay Alert and Stay Alive.”
Three classes were offered in Walworth County, with two held earlier this week; Monday in Delavan and Thursday in Lake Geneva.
The final storm spotter class in the county will be held on Wednesday, April 19, at 6:30 p.m. at the Sharon Fire Department, 182 Park Ave. in Sharon. No pre-registration is required to attend.
Tornado drills planned
In addition to the storm spotter classes offered, the state will conduct a mock tornado drill this week.
On Thursday, April 20, 2017, two statewide tornado drills are planned. A mock tornado watch will be issued statewide by the NWS at 1 p.m. A mock tornado warning will follow at 1:45 p.m. with the drill ending at 2 p.m. The mock alerts will be issued on NOAA Weather Radios, and your local TV and radio stations. Many communities will sound their tornado sirens at 1:45 p.m.
An evening drill is scheduled on the same day with a mock tornado warning to take place at 6:45 p.m. This gives families and workers an opportunity to practice their severe weather plans at home or work.
The tornado drill will take place even if the sky is cloudy, dark and or rainy. If actual severe storms are expected in the state on Thursday, the tornado drills will be postponed until Friday, April 21 at the same times.
If severe storms are possible Friday, the drills will be cancelled. Any changes will be issued to local media as well as posted on the Ready Wisconsin website at readywisconsin.wi.gov.
More information can be found on the website listed above or on the Walworth County Emergency Management Website at co.walworth.wi.us under the Sheriff’s Office link.
