GREEN BAY (NBC26) — April 12th to the 16th is Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week in Wisconsin, as recently proclaimed by Governor Tony Evers. The week is all about raising awareness of severe weather in the state and making and practicing a plan if something hits.
“It has happened," said Lauri Maki, Emergency Management Director for Brown County. "It does happen, and you never know when there’s going to be one bigger than we’ve ever seen before.“
On average, 23 tornadoes come through Wisconsin every year, according to ReadyWisconsin. This week, people are encouraged to talk to friends, family and coworkers about what to do if one hits.
“Pretend it’s a real situation," said Maki. "What would you do when you hear the sirens?“
Wisconsin emergency management wants to remind everyone if you hear thunder, immediately stop what you’re doing and go indoors, because that means lightning is not far off.
“Severe weather can develop very quickly in the state of Wisconsin," said Andrew Beckett, spokesman for Wisconsin Emergency Management. "We’ve had many days where it may not have been forecast, but something does develop very fast.“
Andrew becket recommends designating a shelter, like a basement or a room on the lowest floor, away from windows. It’s a good idea to keep an emergency kit there,
with a flashlight, first aid kit and enough water and food to last everyone in your home or office 72 hours.
“It’s important to know where those locations are so that you’re not panicking when a warning is issued," he said. "Typically a warning means that there’s an imminent threat to life safety in your area, so it’s important to seek shelter as quickly as possible.“
This Thursday there will be statewide tornado drills at 1:45 and 6:45 p.m. When the sirens go off, everyone is encouraged to practice their emergency plan, going to their shelter or safe room at work as well as at home at those times.
