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Be aware and prepared for severe weather
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MONROE - Green County Emergency Management announces that Gov. Jim Doyle has proclaimed April 20-24 as Severe Weather Awareness Week. The statewide tornado drill will be Thursday, April 23, with a simulated statewide tornado watch issued at 1 p.m. followed by a simulated tornado warning for southwestern Wisconsin from 1:20 to 1:25 p.m. and the drill will conclude at 2 p.m. Everyone - families, schools and businesses - are encouraged to review their disaster plans and actively participate in this drill. If there is inclement weather, the drill will be conducted on Friday, April 24.

A tornado watch means that weather indicates that a tornado may be possible, and you need to watch for changing weather conditions and listen to local radio or tv stations for weather updates. Most importantly, watch the sky for threatening weather.

A tornado warning means a tornado has been sighted, and you must not delay in taking immediate cover.

Remember your safety depends upon knowing what to do and being prepared for severe storms. Tornadoes can strike without warning, and you can reduce your chance of injury by quickly getting your family to a safe area in your home. Designate an area in your basement, such as under the steps, or under a heavy table for protection. If you don't have basement, choose an interior closet or bathroom for safety. Develop a safety plan in your home and do practice drills so everyone is familiar with it. Everyone is encouraged to keep some disaster supplies, such as flashlights, fresh batteries, water, non-perishable food, first aid kit and special items for infants, elderly or disabled family members.

For more information on emergency planning, call the Green County Emergency Management office, 328-9416. They have many brochures and other resources available that will help your family be prepared for any type of emergency. The following Web sites also provide good resources for emergency planning: Wisconsin Emergency Management, http://emergencymangement.wi.gov; National Weather Service (Milwaukee), http://www.crh.noaa.gov/mkx; Ready Wisconsin, http://readywisconsin,wi.gov; and American Red Cross, http://www.redcross.org.