Michigan: What To Know About The Statewide Tornado Drill This Month
Spring is almost here and so is the severe weather season in Michigan. The annual statewide tornado drill will be taking place during Michigan’s Severe Weather Awareness Week to help Michigan residents test their severe weather readiness plans before severe weather arrives.
According to the news release, the National Weather Service will use NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards to participate in the Michigan statewide Tornado Drill. It will be taking place on Wednesday, March 20. Around 1 p.m. The National Weather Service will use their Routine Weekly Test on NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards to be an active participant in the statewide tornado drill.
Through the Routine Weekly Test, these drills will cover all counties in Michigan and will start from the National Weather Service Forecast Offices at Grand Rapids, Gaylord, Marquette, Detroit/Pontiac, and Northern Indiana. People are urged to practice their tornado safety measures during the drill.
The statewide tornado drill is being conducted along with Severe Weather Awareness Week in Michigan, which runs March 17 to 23.
Severe Weather Safety Tips
With severe weather season coming up in Michigan, the National Weather Service shared some severe weather safety tips to keep you and your family safe.
When faced with severe weather, it’s important to be prepared and informed. Understanding the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning is important. During a tornado watch, conditions are right for tornado formation, prompting the need to monitor conditions and updates from news and radio outlets. However, when a tornado warning is issued, immediate action is necessary as a tornado has been detected.
At home, prioritize safety by seeking shelter in the basement or under sturdy furniture, such as a table or workbench. Cover your head with blankets or pillows to minimize the risk of head injuries from debris. Remember to keep windows closed and avoid them altogether during the storm.
In school or public buildings, move to the lowest floor or basement and seek refuge in interior rooms or hallways. Avoid large spaces like gymnasiums and auditoriums, opting instead for designated shelters or small rooms on the lowest floor. Steer clear of windows and refrain from going to your car.
If caught in open country, maintain distance from the tornado by moving at right angles and avoiding attempts to outrun it. If necessary, seek shelter in a ditch, lying flat and covering your head to protect against debris.
For those in mobile homes, evacuation is the safest option during tornado threats. If there’s no designated shelter, take cover in a ditch, following a “predetermined plan of action” for such situations.
Being prepared and knowing what to do can make all the difference when facing the dangers of a tornado. Get more tips here.
Surviving Thunderstorms: 5 Don'ts You Must Remember
Thunderstorms can be both fascinating and scary, with their electrifying displays of lightning and booming thunder. However, not everyone knows that there are certain things you’re not supposed to do when there’s a thunderstorm.
During the summer months, thunderstorms occur frequently due to the high humidity. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 73 percent of lightning-related fatalities occur in June, July, and August. According to the National Weather Service, an excess of moisture in the atmosphere, atmospheric instability, and a triggering mechanism are the conditions that lead to thunderstorms. When these elements are combined, they can unleash a powerful symphony of heavy rainfall, thunder, lightning, strong winds, and even hail.
Being prepared for thunderstorms
The American Red Cross has some advice on how to get ready for those wild summer thunderstorms. Taking preventive measures like subscribing to local government emergency alerts, equipping your home with backup batteries, and devising a family plan for hazardous weather situations can all prove invaluable during emergencies.
Thunderstorm myths and misconceptions
When it comes to thunderstorms, there are plenty of myths and misconceptions about what you should avoid doing. One of the most common misconceptions is that wearing rubber-soled shoes or being inside a car with rubber tires makes us immune to lightning strikes. Unfortunately, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Lightning can still travel through the ground or the metal frame of a car, even if it has rubber tires.
Many people believe that as long as they’re not directly under the storm cloud, they are safe from lightning strikes. However, lightning bolts can extend horizontally for significant distances, reaching as far as 10 miles away from the storm. And also keep in mind that trees, especially tall ones, are prime targets for lightning strikes due to their height and conductivity.
Along with getting prepared and knowing thunderstorm myths, you have to know what not to do during a thunderstorm.
Here are 5 things you should never do during a thunderstorm.
Kayla is the midday host on Detroit’s 105.1 The Bounce. She started her career in radio back in 2016 as an intern at another Detroit station and worked her way here. She's made stops in Knoxville, TN, Omaha, Ne and other places before returning to Detroit. She’s done almost everything in radio from promotions to web, creating content on social media, you name it.
She’s a true Michigander, born and raised. So, you can catch her camping or vacationing up north to exploring the downtown Detroit or maybe even catching a sports game. During her free time, Kayla enjoys watching movies, roller-skating, crafting, and music festivals. She and her husband together dip into many of the great things Michigan has to offer. Together they also like to travel.
A few hobbies of hers include wine and beer tastings, crafting, hiking, roller skating, movies, home improvement projects, gardening, and festivals. She’s always looking to take on more local events happening in the community.
She loves connecting with the community. When writing, Kayla covers topics including lifestyle, pop culture, trending stories, hacks, and urban culture.
