|
FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Carolyn
Marinan, Communications, 612-348-5969
As part of a statewide drill, the county will activate outdoor warning sirens on Thursday, April 11, at 1:45 p.m. and 6:45 p.m.
The drills are part of Minnesota Severe Weather Awareness Week, April 8-12. In Minnesota, more than half of federally declared-disasters are due to severe weather. This week serves as a reminder to create, update and practice emergency plans.
Sirens alert people who are outdoors of severe weather warnings and other situations when they should take shelter. People who are indoors may not hear them and should use another means to monitor the weather, such as an NOAA weather radio.
Outdoor warning sirens sound for weather when the National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning and/or if there are reports of sustained straight-line winds in excess of 70 miles per hour. While the county activates sirens, the cities within Hennepin County purchase and maintain the equipment.
Siren safety tips
-
Obey the sirens. Sirens mean people should seek shelter and tune to local weather information on radio, television or an NOAA Weather Radio. Unless it’s a first Wednesday of the month drill, the warning is real.
-
Be weather aware. Know the weather forecast when you start the day, and check the weather throughout the day.
-
Be alert and know where to shelter. If conditions change quickly or you see violent/threatening conditions, seek shelter and tune to local media. Take time today to learn and practice the emergency procedures at your workplace or school.
-
Get a personal warning. Sirens alert people who are outdoors. Inside your home, you may not hear them. Use an NOAA weather radio or a severe weather smartphone app and stay tuned to local media.
Real-time weather monitoring
View interactive weather forecasts, maps and more at hennepinwestmesonet.org.
Look for more news on the Hennepin County website at hennepin.us/news.
Discover how we're making a difference in our communities at hennepin.us/stories.
|
