Statewide Tornado Drill Taking Place Across Michigan Thursday
LANSING (WWJ/AP) - Michigan residents are participating in a statewide tornado drill.
The drill is scheduled to take place on Thursday afternoon, amid the state's Severe Weather Awareness Week.
State police and emergency management officials are encouraging businesses, organizations, schools, families and individuals to participate, but they're not required to do so.
Tornadoes are common in Michigan during late spring and early summer. The average lead time for tornadoes to develop is 10 to 15 minutes, which means citizens 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
•Develop a 72-hour emergency supply kit with essential items such as a three-day supply of water and food, a NOAA Weather Radio, important family documents and items that satisfy unique family needs.
The drill in Michigan is taking place at the same time as drills in at least two other Midwest states.
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