Full Notification

Northfield Township Police advises of a Statewide Tornado/Severe Weather Drill April 19

Gov. Rick Snyder has declared April 16-22 as Michigan’s Severe Weather Awareness Week. The Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) is calling upon Michigan residents to take action by participating in a voluntary statewide tornado drill at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, April 19.
Businesses, organizations, families, and individuals are encouraged to engage in this statewide preparedness activity.

“Tornadoes can develop rapidly, with little or no warning,” said Capt. Chris A. Kelenske, Deputy State Director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security and commander of the MSP/EMHSD. “Due to their unpredictable nature, we must be ready well in advance. We are asking residents and businesses to take a few extra steps during the week to ensure they are prepared.”

Tornadoes can occur any time of the year, but are more common during the late spring and early summer months. They can devastate homes and property in just seconds. The average lead time for tornadoes to develop is 10 to 15 minutes and residents need to be ready.

Be prepared:
- 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.
- Shelter under something sturdy, when taking shelter in the basement or designated spot.
- Make sure each household member knows where to go and what to do in the event of a tornado. Practice tornado drills with your family.
- Stay tuned to radio or television broadcasts for changing weather conditions or approaching storms.

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.

The following signs can indicate an approaching tornado:
o Dark, often greenish sky
o Large hail
o A large, dark low-lying cloud
o 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.

If we are experiencing bad weather on April 19, the statewide tornado drill will be rescheduled for Thursday, April 20 at 1pm.

Severe Weather Awareness Week is sponsored by the MSP/EMHSD and the Michigan Committee for Severe Weather Awareness (MCSWA) to educate the public about the dangers of tornadoes and other severe weather events. These precautions can be taken to save lives and protect families. The MCSWA was formed in 1991 to encourage Michigan residents to be prepared in the event of severe weather. To learn more about the committee, go to www.mcswa.com.
For more information about being safe before, during and after a tornado, go to follow the MSP/EMHSD on Twitter at @MichEMHS or go to www.michigan.gov/miready. Emergency preparedness information is also available at www.ready.gov/tornadoes.