EDITORIAL: Listen, act and live

Talk about it

Listen, act and live are words that could protect you and your family during severe storm season.

Listening to storm and tornado warnings and seeking shelter immediately will save lives.

This week, April 16-20, is Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week in Wisconsin. A mock tornado warning will be conducted across the state at 1:45 p.m. Thursday, April 19, giving area residents, schools and businesses a chance to think about what they would do if a tornado is threatening the community.

Did you know that Wisconsin averages 23 tornadoes annually? In 2011, 38 tornadoes in Wisconsin were confirmed by the National Weather Service, the fourth highest number on record. In 2010, 46 tornadoes in Wisconsin were confirmed by the National Weather Services, the second greatest yearly number on record.

In these parts, St. Croix County has had 17 tornados from 1982 through 2011. Polk County has recorded 14 tornados in that time period, with one injury reported as a result of the storm.

Of course most everyone knows New Richmond was the site of the eighth most deadly tornado in the nation’s history. The June 12, 1899 twister killed 117 and injured 200, and nearly wiped the community off the map. No one around here should be unaware of the importance of being prepared if anything like that ever happens again.

According to the National Weather Service, the peak tornado season in Wisconsin is April to August. But tornadoes can occur any time of year. That’s why it’s always important to stay aware and be ready to act if tornados develop in your neighborhood.

Use this week’s awareness event to remind your family, employees and students where they should go in case of severe weather. It could save lives and limit injuries throughout the community.

Tags: opinion, editorials