Up North Progressive

On Wednesday, March 27, 2019, the entire state of Michigan will participate in a tornado drill to raise awareness about safety during severe weather. Gretchen Whitmer proclaimed the week of March 24th to 30th as Michigan’s Severe Weather Awareness Week to better prepare the state for severe weather emergencies.

At one o’clock in the afternoon on March 27, emergency sirens will sound in a state-wide test. These sirens are usually under the control of local communities with their own emergency plans for their use.

MSP/EMHSD commander Captain Emmitt McGowan remarked on the upcoming drill:

“Outdoor warning sirens are designed to alert residents who are outdoors about an approaching threat. To be better prepared to hear an alert indoors, you should look to your NOAA Weather Radio and local alerts for hazard information.”

With the sounding of local warning sirens, residents will also see or hear alerts on television and radio stations. The intent of the drill and alerts is to encourage Michigan residents to practice for a severe weather emergency.

To find out if your community will participate in the drill, contact your local emergency management agency. For learn more about weather safety and what to do in case of a tornado, you can follow the MSP/EMHSD on Twitter at @MichEMHS or go to the Michigan State Police Website