Siren Tests a Reminder To Prepare for Tornado Season

If you heard sirens on Thursday, there was no need to panic. They were a reminder to families to stay safe as we head into tornado season.

Emergency management officials hosted statewide tornado drill on April 10 for Severe Weather Awareness Week.

Officials also tested the Wireless Emergency Alert system for cell phones. 

“It’s very important for people to understand what sirens — first of all, what they sound like,” said Dan Anderson, Hennepin County senior coordinator for public warning and communications. “Second of all, what they anticipate to do when they hear them go off during an event.”

During severe weather, Anderson recommends heading indoors and seeking additional information.

While that info can come from traditional channels like television news, it can also come from social media or a weather radio.

Severe Weather Awareness Week is a good opportunity to test weather radios, Anderson said.

Likewise, families should create an internal plan for how to handle weather events. That can include a reunification plan if a serious weather incident separates you from your loved ones.

Not only can the plans keep you safe, but they can help reduce the stress that comes with severe weather.

“This is very much preparatory actions that really can alleviate any kind of anticipation anxieties or fears that would come with hearing something like this,” Anderson said. “Understanding really helps people cope better and respond better.”

Hennepin County has additional recommendations available here.

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