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State Police are urging Michiganders to participate in a voluntary statewide tornado drill at 2 p-m on Thursday as part of Severe Weather Awareness Week in Michigan.
Captain Chris Kelenske, the Deputy State Director of the Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division, says tornadoes can occur from rapidly developing storms within 10 to 15 minutes with damaging winds and large hail, and devastate homes and property in just a matter of seconds, mostly in the late spring and early summer months.
Kelenske is urging businesses, organizations, schools, families an individuals to take proper precautions during the drill and are encouraged, but not required, to participate.
He says the key is be ready to react quickly in the event a tornado warning is issued by taking cover in the lowest place you can find, in the basement or interior hallway of a building away from windows and doors and stay informed to commercial radio and television on changing weather conditions.
It is also recommended that people have a 72-hour emergency supply kit with a three-day supply of water and food, a NOAA weather radio, important family documents and items that satisfy unique family needs.
The Michigan statewide tornado drill will be held in conjunction with others in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
