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Statewide tornado drill planned for Thursday
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MONROE - Green County Emergency Management is reminding citizens of the statewide tornado drill planned on Thursday, April 24, held in correlation with Wisconsin's Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week, April 21 through 25.

At 1 p.m., the National Weather Service will issue a statewide mock tornado watch. At 1:45 p.m., a statewide mock tornado warning will be issued. Many radio and TV stations will participate in the drill. The NOAA weather radio will also issue alert messaging. Schools, businesses and families will have the opportunity to practice safe procedures for severe weather. Those who own a newer weather radio can select to turn off the test alerts but should turn the feature back on to make sure the radio is working properly.

At 1:45 p.m., Albany, Browntown, Juda, Monticello, Monroe, New Glarus and South Wayne will be testing their outdoor sirens. The mock tornado drill watch/warning will end at 2 p.m.

The tornado drill will take place even if the sky is cloudy, dark and/or rainy. If actual severe storms are expected in the state on Thursday, April 24, the tornado drill will be postponed until the same time Friday, April 25. If severe storms are possible on Friday, then the drill will be canceled.

The peak tornado season in Wisconsin is April to August, but tornadoes can occur any time of year. Green County Emergency Management wants individuals and families to know the difference between Severe Thunderstorm Watches, Severe Thunderstorm Warnings, Tornado Watches and Tornado Warnings. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is when thunderstorms with large hail and damaging winds are possible and people should be prepared to move to safety if a warning is issued; a Severe Thunderstorm Warning is when a thunderstorm with large hail and damaging winds has been reported or indicated by weather radar; a Tornado Watch is when severe thunderstorms with tornadoes are possible in an area - people should remain alerted for approaching storms and be prepared to move to safety if a warning is issued; and a Tornado Warning is when a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar and individuals and/or families should move to a place of safety now.

Green County Emergency Management suggests that a safety plan should be developed and it should be practiced. A disaster supply kit should be kept at home, and include water, non-perishable food that does not require heat to serve, first-aid kit, NOAA weather radio, a flashlight, and special items for children, pets and elderly family members. People should know where to go and what to do when a severe weather warning sounds. Stay away from windows and move to the basement; if a basement is not available, move to a small interior room or hallway on the lowest floor. Get under a sturdy table or the stairs. Cover yourself with towels or blankets.

For more information, visit www.greencountyem.com.