Week draws attention to severe weather preparation

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St. Croix County Emergency Support Services Director Casey Swetlik urges all residents to be prepared for tornadoes and severe weather.

April 16 – 20 is Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week in Wisconsin. The campaign is to remind people of the dangers associated with tornadoes, thunderstorms, flooding and hail and to encourage citizens to take protective safety measures.

A statewide tornado drill is planned for Thursday, April 19, from 1:40 to 1:45 p.m. The drill will be an ideal opportunity for schools, businesses and individuals to practice safe procedures for severe weather.

Emergency Management Coordinator, Kristen Sailer said by being prepared, county residents can avoid injuries or even death.

“We here in St. Croix County were extremely lucky in 2011,” she said. “From the 12 severe thunderstorm warnings issued there were no significant damages received by residents, businesses and local governments.”

What can you do during Tornado Season?

Listen: When severe weather is possible (thunderstorm or tornado watch issued) pick a credible source of information and keep in touch with that source until the danger has passed. One of the best tools is a NOAA Weather Radio (also known as an Emergency Weather Radio).

Act: When you hear a tornado warning (tornado seen by spotters or detected on radar) seek the best shelter you can find immediately. Don’t waste time checking multiple sources of information. You may have only seconds to find a safe place.

Live: Your chances of survival increase when warning signs are taken seriously. Hopefully the storm will pass with no damage. But don’t risk your life on a hope.

Wisconsin Emergency Management and the National Weather Service encourage families, schools and businesses to have an Emergency Weather Radio. These radios are like “smoke alarms” for danger. The radio picks up emergency information 24-hours a day with critical information directly from the National Weather Service and other agencies and can be programmed to monitor specific counties in your area.

You can purchase Emergency Weather radios at most electronic retailers. For more information on Emergency Weather Radios go to http://readywisco nsin.wi.gov.

Other resources for preparing for Tornadoes and Severe Weather: http://sccwi.us /sccess St. Croix County Emergency Management; http://emergencymanag ement.wi.gov/ Wisconsin Emergency Management; http://ready.wi.gov Ready Wisconsin; and www.weat her.gov National Weather Service.

You may also contact the St. Croix County Emergency Management office at 715-386-4751.

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