LITCHFIELD — Meeker County Sheriff Brian Cruze is asking residents to take part in one of the tornado drills during Severe Weather Awareness Week, April 12-16.
According to a news release from the sheriff, each day that week is dedicated to a specific topic. Monday is alerts and warnings, Tuesday is severe weather, lightning and hail, Wednesday is floods, Thursday is tornadoes — with a statewide tornado drills, and Friday is extreme heat.
The annual statewide tornado drills are scheduled between 1:45 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. April 15.
These drills will feature outdoor warning sirens and NOAA weather radios will sound in a simulated tornado warning.
“Both drills are intended to give the public the opportunity to practice their tornado sheltering procedures. The first drill is an opportunity for schools, businesses and those working during the day to practice while the evening drill allows second shift workers and families at home to do the same,” Cruze said in the release.
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In the event of severe weather, the safest place is the basement, according to Cruze and the Minnesota Department of Public Safety .
“If your building has no basement, seek shelter on the lowest level and as close to the center of the building as possible, preferably with no windows,” Cruze said in the release.
According to the release, the Meeker County Sheriff’s Office uses the CodeRED notification system to send emergency messages directly to residents in the event of severe weather and other emergencies affecting county residents. Notifications can be sent to home phones, cell phones, texts and email addresses.
Register for this free service online at www.co.meeker.mn.us/217/Sheriff or call 320-693-5420 for more information.
