MADISON — Spring has returned to Wisconsin and so has an increased risk of severe weather. To encourage everyone to be prepared for tornadoes, thunderstorms and flooding, Gov. Tony Evers has declared April 17-21 Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week in Wisconsin, along with statewide tornado drills on April 20.

“Wisconsin has already had 13 tornadoes touch down in the state this spring, showing just how important it is to be prepared for severe storms,” said Wisconsin Emergency Management Administrator Greg Engle. “WEM’s ReadyWisconsin campaign asks that everyone take just a few moments to make sure their emergency plans are updated and that everyone in their home knows what to do when a weather warning is issued.”

Wisconsin averages 23 tornadoes annually. In 2022, the National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed 28 tornadoes touched down in the state, damaging homes, trees, and power lines. Tornadoes and severe storms can develop quickly, so know what to do and where to seek shelter.

To stay safe during severe weather, ReadyWisconsin encourages people to do the following: " Create an emergency plan and practice it.

" Know where designated shelters are locat ed at home, work, and school, and be ready to go there when a tornado warning is issued.

" Have multiple ways to receive alerts about approaching severe weather. Outdoor warning sirens, NOAA Weather Radios, local media, and smart phone apps are all important tools. Don’t rely on any single source for important life-saving information.

" If you have a mobile device, make sure it is enabled to receive Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA). On many devices, that option is available in the settings menu. Find out more about WEA at https://readywisconsin.wi.gov/ be-informed/be-alert/.

" Stay weather aware by checking the daily forecast for your area.

" Create an emergency kit for your home. Find tips for making a kit at https://readywisconsin. wi.gov.

Wisconsin’s annual statewide tornado drills will take place on April 20, 2023 at 1:45 p.m. and 6:45 p.m., offering an opportunity to practice your tornado sheltering plans. Schools, businesses, and homes are encouraged to practice going to their nearest tornado shelter during the drills, as if there were an actual tornado warning in effect.

During the drill times, Wisconsin’s NWS offices will conduct NOAAWeather Radio tests that can be heard if you are actively listening to those devices or have one programmed to activate on test alerts. Many communities may also choose to test their outdoor warning sirens during drill times. Check with local emergency management offices for information on siren testing schedules.

If there is a threat of severe weather in Wisconsin on April 20, the statewide drills will be postponed until Friday, April 21. The drills will go on in all other conditions, including non-severe weather (clouds, rain, dark sky, scattered thunderstorms, etc.). If severe weather is also expected on Friday, the drills will be cancelled.

Notification of the drill status will be posted at https://readywisconsin.wi. gov by 10 a.m. on the morning of April 20.

For more tips on severe weather preparedness and advice on creating your own emergency plan, visit https:// readywisconsin.wi.gov.

MILWAUKEE - The moments after a storm or natural disaster can feel overwhelming.

After everyone is accounted for and safe from immediate threat (including pets), cleanup and recovery begin. Storm victims should never feel pressured to make a hasty decision or choose an unknown contractor. Make temporary repairs if necessary so you can take the time to choose a trustworthy contractor. BBB has tips to help you recover safely and effectively after the storm!

Assess the damage

" Assess the damage and take pictures. " Contact your insurance company imme diately. Inquire about policy coverage and specific filing requirements. This gets the ball rolling on the claim process.

" Document the damage to your property (and autos). Take pictures and if possible, video evidence.

" Do not make any permanent repairs until you get approval from your insurance company. Your insurer might not fully reimburse you for permanent repairs without authorization.

Clean and make temporary repairs

" Make minor repairs that will limit further damage to the home. If you have to make temporary repairs to protect your home from the elements, save all your receipts.

" Wear protective clothing. Long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and sturdy shoes. Be cautious! o Learn more about how to clean up after a tornado, from the Red Cross, including the supplies you’ll need and how to handle fire hazards such as gas, electricity, and chemicals.

" Be on the lookout for price gouging. Report instances to your local BBB and Attorney General’s office.

Hire a contractor

" Get references. Get referrals from friends and relatives and check BBB.org for ratings and reviews on contractors in the area.

" Do your research. Local and national companies may both do a fine job with your storm damage repair needs, but if you choose to do business with someone not local, be sure to understand who will be taking care

of any service needs that may arise after the completion of the project.

" Learn about storm chasers. Storm chasers are businesses that follow storms hoping for a quick buck. Research anyone who offers you unsolicited assistance carefully.

" Ask about preventive features and instal lations. Check with your contractor about adding tornado-resistant features to help protect against future damage during the repair process.

Know what you sign

" Read and understand anything you are asked to sign. Avoid signing an “estimate” or “authorization” form before hiring a particular contractor.

" Get a written contract agreement with anyone you hire. It should specify the work, the materials used, and the price breakdown for both labor and materials. o Any oral promises should be written into the contract, including warranties on materials or labor. o Make sure you know the terms and conditions if you cancel a contract. o Understand the terms and conditions and get copies of warranties and guarantees. o A contractor should be responsible for obtaining all necessary permits, not you.

" Head to BBB.org. Check out BBB's tips for hiring a restoration contractor, hiring a tree service, and debris removal.

Review contracts, deposits, and payments

" Make sure the contract is specific. Be sure the contract specifies the schedule for releasing payments to the contractor. Ask for a start and end date for the work to be done.

" Never pay in full in advance. Do not pay with cash. o Don’t make a final payment or sign a completion agreement until all work is done satisfactorily.