Thursday is Tornado Drill Day in Minnesota

(KNSI) — Don’t be alarmed. It’s only a drill.

Today is day four of severe weather awareness week, where people are encouraged to practice what they would do in the event of an actual tornado warning.

Chanhassen-based National Weather Service Warning Coordinator Todd Krause says to think about, “what would happen if I’m at home? If I’m at work? If I’m out at a park? If I’m driving around and all of a sudden, there’s a tornado warning? So think through all these things and that’s really the main message of tornado drill day.”

There will be two chances to practice. The first is at 1:45 p.m. and again at 6:45 p.m. Besides the sirens, people should get alerts on their phones through NOAA Weather Radio, social media, internet weather services and reverse 911.

If a tornado hits when you are at home, go to the basement if possible. To avoid falling debris, get under a table, workbench, or other sturdy furniture. A stairwell is also a good place to hide during a tornado. If you cannot get to a basement, go to a small interior room on the lowest floor.
Closets, bathrooms, and interior halls are the best protection in most cases or try to hide under a bed. Get under something sturdy, or cover yourself with blankets. Stay away from windows.

Move to the most interior room on the lowest level or a designated shelter in an apartment, school or office building. Stay away from windows. If in a hallway, crouch down and protect your head from flying debris.

In a mobile home, car, truck or other vehicles, abandon these as quickly as possible. Seek a sturdy shelter or permanent structure. Remember that many deaths occur when people try to drive away in a vehicle but get caught in the deadly winds. Avoid bridges since they act as wind tunnels.

Find more safety tips here.

Today's theme for Severe Weather Awareness Week is Tornadoes.

Tornado Watch means BE PREPARED. Tornado Warning or Emergency means TAKE ACTION. #mnwx #wiwx #SWAW2023 pic.twitter.com/N459PegXUG

— NWS Twin Cities (@NWSTwinCities) April 20, 2023