When spring finally comes around in Wisconsin, we're all ready for some warm weather and sunshine. But with the warmer weather comes the threat of severe weather, including tornados.
It's important to have a plan for emergencies and practice them, especially for kids because they might get scared and hide instead of moving to a safer location if they haven't practiced what to do.
In order to get ready for whatever weather happens here in Wisconsin, the National Weather Service (NWS) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) observe Severe Weather Awareness Week.
In 2024, Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week is April 8-12. This year the statewide tornado drill will be on April 11 at 1:45pm and 6:45pm. ReadyWisconsin, the National Weather Service, Wisconsin Broadcasters Association, and Wisconsin Emergency Alert System Committee encourages families to participate in these drills to make sure everyone knows what to do when there is an alert issued.
During the drill times, anyone actively listening to a NOAA Weather Radio will hear the Wisconsin Nation Weather Service conducting a weekly test. Some communities may also choose to test their outdoor warning sirens that day, TV and radio stations may briefly cut into programming, and you may see social media posts. There will not be wireless emergency alerts or push notifications to cell phones. If severe weather is forecast, the tests may be postponed until the following day and if severe weather is also expected Friday, the drills will be cancelled.
ReadyWisconsin and its partners encourage everyone to take time to talk about their family's plans and practice them together.
What is a Tornado?
A tornado can form out of a severe thunderstorm when winds begin to rotate and form a funnel cloud. Not every thunderstorm will make a tornado, but alerts will be issued when conditions occur that have the potential for tornados to form. This is called a tornado watch... it's a time to be alert and aware that the weather may become dangerous. Watch the sky and pay attention to radio, TV, alerts on your cell phone, or notifications on social media to get more information. If a tornado is sighted, or radar indicates a tornado, a tornado warning will be issued and then you should take shelter immediately.
Preparing Your Family for Severe Weather
Families should prepare a fully-stocked disaster kit that includes everything you will need for at least three days. That includes food, water, medication, and weather-appropriate gear. ReadyWisconsin offers examples of kits for at home, for your pets, and for your car, as well as how to protect important documents, preparing financially, and how to choose a NOAA weather radio.
Teaching kids what to do in an emergency and making sure your family has all the supplies you may need is essential for keeping safe and healthy during an emergency. We don't know when severe weather may strike, but knowing what to do when it does can save lives.
Resources and Further Reading
https://readywisconsin.wi.gov/be-informed/tornado/ - includes tornado facts, how to prepare, and what to do during a tornado
https://www.weather.gov/safety/tornado - tornado safety from the National Weather Service
https://readywisconsin.wi.gov/make-a-kit/ - how to create an emergency kit
https://www.facebook.com/ReadyWisconsin/ - ReadyWisconsin Facebook page with information on all weather that affects Wisconsin
https://www.weather.gov/owlie/owlieactivity - Owlie's Weather-Ready Educational Activity, versatile educational material for educators, non-educators, community groups and more, to prepare kids for severe weather
https://www.weather.gov/owlie/safety_kt - weather information and activities for kids and teens
