Because severe weather can threaten the lives and property of Minnesotans at any time, Gov. Mark Dayton has proclaimed April 15-19 as Severe Weather Awareness Week.
On Thursday, April 18, Cook County will join with the National Weather Service in statewide tornado drills at 1:45 p.m. and 6:55 p.m. Plan to participate with your colleagues in the afternoon and with your family at home in the evening.
NOAA weather radios set to “Alert” will automatically notify listeners of tornado drills and real weather and other emergencies. They can also provide lights and radio and can charge cell phones during power outages and can be recharged themselves by solar panels or hand cranks. Many models are available at retail outlets or online.
Subscribe to get free community alerts from Cook County Dispatch. This system, combined with other emergency alert methods, is designed to get emergency messages to the public quickly and effectively. This does not preclude you from calling 911 if you need emergency information; it simply provides an opportunity for the county to disseminate critical information if and when the need arises.
Go to www.co.cook.mn.us/, click on Outbound 9-1-1 Emergency Notification System and provide the information requested on the form. As of Dec. 18, 2012 there are 5,556 land lines and 153 cell phones registered for this service. The Emergency Notification System will be tested during the tornado drill on April 18.
Residents can also build a basic home survival kit that includes food and water for three days, a radio and flashlight, first aid, and personal items like toilet paper. A smaller “grab and go” evacuation kit should contain emergency contact information, medications, spare eyewear and documentation of pets, medical information, insurance, etc.
For more information visit www.SevereWeather.state.mn.us.
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