Wisconsin’s Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week runs April 13th through the 17th—bringing an important reminder to be ready before storms hit.

A statewide tornado drill is scheduled for Thursday, April 16th, with two opportunities to participate—at 1:45 in the afternoon and again at 6:45 in the evening.

The drill is designed to help families, schools, and workplaces practice their tornado safety plans. If severe weather is expected that day, the drill may be postponed, with updates posted on the Ready Wisconsin website.

Officials say preparation is key—and one of the best tools you can have is a NOAA weather radio. These radios alert you to watches and warnings and can even wake you overnight when severe weather strikes.

They also recommend choosing a radio with S-A-M-E technology, which allows you to program alerts specific to your area.

Residents are reminded—outdoor warning sirens are meant to alert people who are outside, not those indoors.

Unlike past years, the statewide drill will not include a test of the Emergency Alert System—meaning no cellphone alerts or test warnings will be issued. However, those systems are still tested regularly through broadcasters and weather radios.

In Marinette County, communities with outdoor warning sirens continue to test them weekly on Fridays.

Emergency officials say now is the time to review your shelter plan, build an emergency kit, and make sure your family knows how to stay connected if separated.

And don’t forget—check in on neighbors and include your pets in your emergency plans.