DETROIT (WWJ) - Don't be alarmed -- it's only a drill.
Michigan residents are being asked to participate in a voluntary tornado drill at 1 p.m. Wednesday. Alerts will be broadcast on weather radios and television and radio stations participating in the drill. Weather sirens will also activate.
Businesses, organizations, families, and individuals are encouraged to engage in this statewide preparedness activity, but are not required to do so.
Tornadoes can develop quickly and come with little or no warning. They especially are common during the late spring and early summer months. As one of nature’s most violent storms, they can devastate homes and property in just seconds. The average lead time for tornadoes to develop is 10 to 15 minutes, which means residents need to be ready to react quickly when a warning is issued.
To be ready for a tornado:
- Identify the lowest place to take cover during a tornado. If a basement does not exist, find an interior hallway away from windows, doors, and outside walls.
- Go under something sturdy, such as a workbench or stairwell, when taking shelter in the basement or designated spot.
- Conduct regular tornado drills. Make sure each household member knows where to go and what to do in the event of a tornado.
- Stay tuned to commercial radio or television broadcasts for news on changing weather conditions or approaching storms.
- Know the difference: a Tornado Watch means conditions exist for a tornado to develop; a Tornado Warning means that a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar.
Be aware of the following signs that can indicate an approaching tornado:
- Dark, often greenish sky
- Large hail
- A large, dark low-lying cloud
- Loud roar, similar to a freight train
The statewide drill is part of Severe Weather Awareness Week, a seasonal effort to encourage Michigan residents to prepare and practice emergency plans.
