Minnesota saw its first tornado of 2012 on March 19. It traveled about seven miles near the town of Elysian, causing moderate damage. Tornadoes are not rare. In 2010, we faced 104 of these powerfully destructive storms.
Every year, Minnesotans are injured and property is destroyed by the inevitable weather threats that come with spring and summer. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) sponsors Severe Weather Awareness Week each April to remind our residents of the approaching danger and encourage them to prepare for it. Severe Weather Awareness Week is April 16 – 20, 2012.
Now is the time to make a plan, get a NOAA weather radio and make an emergency kit. The DPS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management sponsors a website full of information on weather safety. Daily topics include both safety tips and data from the National Weather Service. They include: thunderstorms, hail, straight-line winds, lightning, floods and flash flooding, heat waves and tornadoes. It also shares information on severe weather warnings and Emergency Alert Systems.
On Thursday, April 19 there will be a statewide tornado drill at 1:45 and 6:55 p.m.
Visit the site at www.weatherawareness.dps. mn.gov and plan to participate in tornado drills.
Get ready, Minnesota!
Kris Eide,
Director Homeland Security
and Emergency Management
Minnesota Department of Public Safety
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