Sheriff Brian Cruze would like to encourage all Meeker County residents to participate in one of the tornado drills during Severe Weather Awareness Week.
This year?Äôs Severe Weather Awareness Week will be April 17-21, 2017. Each day is devoted to a specific topic. They are:
?Ä¢ Monday: Alerts and Warnings,
?Ä¢ Tuesday: Severe Weather, Lightning and Hail,
?Ä¢ Wednesday: Floods,
?Ä¢ Thursday: Tornadoes (with statewide tornado drills),
?Ä¢ Friday: Extreme Heat.
The annual statewide tornado drills are scheduled for 1:45 and 6:45 p.m. Thursday, April 20. The county outdoor warning sirens and NOAA Weather Radios will sound in a simulated tornado warning during these times. 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.
This week is designed to refresh, remind and educate everyone about the seasonal threats from severe weather and how to avoid them. It is also a great time to make and practice your emergency plan and build or refresh your emergency preparedness kit.
In the event of severe weather, the safest place is the basement. If your building has no basement, the National Weather Service suggests seeking shelter on the lowest level and as close to the center of the building as possible, preferably with no windows. For more information on Severe Weather Awareness Week, please visit dps.mn.gov/divisions/hsem/weather-
awareness-preparedness/Pages/default.aspx
The Meeker County Sheriff?Äôs 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.