|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Become Heat-Aware as Temperatures Rise
Minnesota is experiencing its first stretch of warmer weather this week. It comes as the state focuses on extreme heat during Severe Weather Awareness Week. While excessive heat isn’t common in Minnesota, the National Weather Service will issue watches, warnings and advisories when the forecast poses a potential threat to life. Those alerts are based on Heat Index Values, which is a measure of how hot it really feels when relative humidity is factored in with actual air temperature.
More information on heat disorders, tips on staying cool and a Minnesota Department of Health toolkit can be found here.
You Aren’t Hearing Things: Sirens will Sound Twice in Statewide Tests
April 14 is Tornado Drill Day during Minnesota’s Severe Weather Awareness Week. Minnesotans will hear the outdoor warning sirens sound, not once, but twice.
The first test will activate the sirens at 1:45 p.m. after the National Weather Service issues a simulated tornado watch. NOAA Weather Radios, radio, TV and cable stations will also participate by airing a simulated tornado warning message. The second test will activate the sirens at 6:55 p.m. The drills provide an opportunity for businesses and families to practice their emergency plans.
Do you know where to seek shelter during a tornado? Options can be found here. Click here for additional Tornado Drill Day information.
Outdoor vs. Indoor Warning Systems
A siren malfunction in Hennepin County serves as a reminder for all Minnesotans: sirens are outdoor warning systems during an emergency. Once they sound, people should go indoors to seek additional information and instructions from NOAA Weather Radios, TV, radio or the internet. Sirens are not designed to be heard inside of a building.
April 11-15 is Severe Weather Awareness Week in Minnesota. Statewide tornado drills are scheduled for Thursday, April 14. All thunderstorms are considered dangerous and can produce large hail, straight-line winds, and lightning. Lightning facts and safety information is posted here.
Flood Dangers in Minnesota
Tornado drills receive a lot of attention during Severe Weather Awareness Week, but flooding kills more people than any other weather event in Minnesota.
Spring and summer storms are capable of producing flash floods that could lead to property damage, road dangers and health concerns. Now is a good time for homeowners to check their insurance policies for flood damage coverage and buy additional protection, if needed. Should flooding occur, people should never try to cross rushing waters on foot.
Drivers should know:
- 6 inches of water will reach the bottom of most vehicles.
- It only takes 12 inches of water to float a vehicle.
- Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles.
Click here for more flooding information.
|
|
|
Video Description: This video shows what happens behind the scenes during an exercise in the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC). It’s the first in series of videos, taking viewers inside the different divisions of the Department of Public Safety. Legislators are currently considering a bonding request for a new $33 million dollar SEOC in Arden Hills.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|