DARLINGTON - Gov. Doyle has proclaimed the week of April 19-23 as Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week in Wisconsin.
Lafayette County Emergency Management will participate in a statewide tornado drill on Thursday.
A mock tornado watch will be issued at 1 p.m. and at 1:20 p.m. a mock tornado warning will be issued. In Darlington, the tornado warning siren will be activated at 1:25 p.m. If actual severe weather occurs anywhere in the state Thursday, the tornado drill will be postponed until Friday, with the watch/warnings issued at the same times.
Wisconsin averages 21 tornadoes a year. In 2009, Wisconsin had 16 confirmed tornadoes. In 2008, 38 tornadoes were reported in Wisconsin causing millions of dollars in damages to homes, businesses and local government infrastructure.
Steps to take if tornadoes threaten:
• In a home or building, move to a pre-designated shelter, such as a basement. If an underground shelter is not available, move to a small interior room or hallway on the lowest floor and get under a sturdy piece of furniture. Put as many walls between you and the outside as you can.
• Stay away from windows.
• Get out of automobiles.
• Do not try to outrun a tornado in your car; instead, leave it immediately for safe shelter. If caught outside or in a vehicle, lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands.
• Be aware of flying debris. Flying debris from tornadoes causes most fatalities and injuries.
• Mobile home, even if tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes. You should leave a mobile home and go to the lowest floor of a sturdy nearby building or a storm shelter.
• Tornadoes can develop so rapidly that advance warning is not possible. Remain alert for signs of an approaching tornado such as a dark, often greenish sky, large hail, or a loud roar similar to a freight train.
• Purchase a NOAA weather radio, listen to the local radio and television stations for updates.
Lafayette County Emergency Management will participate in a statewide tornado drill on Thursday.
A mock tornado watch will be issued at 1 p.m. and at 1:20 p.m. a mock tornado warning will be issued. In Darlington, the tornado warning siren will be activated at 1:25 p.m. If actual severe weather occurs anywhere in the state Thursday, the tornado drill will be postponed until Friday, with the watch/warnings issued at the same times.
Wisconsin averages 21 tornadoes a year. In 2009, Wisconsin had 16 confirmed tornadoes. In 2008, 38 tornadoes were reported in Wisconsin causing millions of dollars in damages to homes, businesses and local government infrastructure.
Steps to take if tornadoes threaten:
• In a home or building, move to a pre-designated shelter, such as a basement. If an underground shelter is not available, move to a small interior room or hallway on the lowest floor and get under a sturdy piece of furniture. Put as many walls between you and the outside as you can.
• Stay away from windows.
• Get out of automobiles.
• Do not try to outrun a tornado in your car; instead, leave it immediately for safe shelter. If caught outside or in a vehicle, lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands.
• Be aware of flying debris. Flying debris from tornadoes causes most fatalities and injuries.
• Mobile home, even if tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes. You should leave a mobile home and go to the lowest floor of a sturdy nearby building or a storm shelter.
• Tornadoes can develop so rapidly that advance warning is not possible. Remain alert for signs of an approaching tornado such as a dark, often greenish sky, large hail, or a loud roar similar to a freight train.
• Purchase a NOAA weather radio, listen to the local radio and television stations for updates.