Statewide tornado drill canceled due to incoming weather
(FOX 9) - Initially scheduled for April 11, Minnesota's statewide tornado drill is canceled due to the incoming snow, officials announced Wednesday.
Hennepin County officials say public safety personnel are discussing whether to reschedule the drill.
This week is Minnesota Severe Weather Awareness Week, so officials are reminding residents to create, update and practice emergency plans.
According to the release, outdoor warning sirens sound for weather when the National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning and/or if there are reports of sustained straight-line winds in excess of 70 miles per hour. While the county activates sirens, the cities within Hennepin County purchase and maintain the equipment.
Siren safety tips
• Obey the sirens. Sirens mean people should seek shelter and tune to local weather information on radio, television or an NOAA Weather Radio. Unless it’s a first Wednesday of the month drill, the warning is real.
• Be weather aware. Know the weather forecast when you start the day, and check the weather throughout the day.
• Be alert and know where to shelter. If conditions change quickly or you see violent/threatening conditions, seek shelter and tune to local media. Take time today to learn and practice the emergency procedures at your workplace or school.
• Get a personal warning. Sirens alert people who are outdoors. Inside your home, you may not hear them. Use an NOAA weather radio or a severe weather smartphone app and stay tuned to local media.
For more information, click here.