April 17–21, 2023

The Department of Public Safety and the National Weather Service will be promoting general weather safety and emergency preparedness to Minnesotans during April 17-21 for Severe Weather Awareness Week.

Statewide Tornado Drills

An easy way to get prepared is to participate in the statewide tornado drills on Thursday, April 20 at 1:45 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. They will provide an excellent opportunity for citizens to prepare their homes, families, neighborhoods, and communities!

Outdoor warning sirens will sound in a simulated tornado warning. The first drill is intended for institutions and businesses. The evening drill is intended for second-shift workers and families.

This is the perfect time to engage with your communities, schools, and local businesses to talk about their emergency plans and how they can prepare for the upcoming severe weather season.

Why Severe Weather Awareness Week?

According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Minnesota experiences an average of 28 tornadoes per year. In 2018, 44 twisters touched down. A record was set in 2010 with 113 tornadoes touching down across the state.

This is the perfect time to engage with your communities, schools, and local businesses to talk about their emergency plans and how they can prepare for the upcoming severe weather season.

Each day of Severe Weather Awareness Week highlights an important weather safety topic.

• Monday: Alerts & Warnings
• Tuesday: Severe Weather, Lightning & Hail
• Wednesday: Floods
• Thursday: Tornadoes (with statewide drills)
• Friday: Extreme Heat

Check each page link above for specific information about these topics, including factsheets, checklists, data and other resources.

Promote Emergency Preparedness in Your Community

• Hold preparedness seminars. 
• Consult with local businesses.
• Host a preparedness and health fair.
• Start a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).
• Meet with homeowners associations.
• Post newsletter, social media, and website articles with preparedness tips.
• Encourage others to know how to contact their county emergency manager.

More information about these emergency preparedness steps is provided on the HSEM Weather Safety and National Weather Service websites.

General, all-hazards emergency preparedness best practices for businesses, communities, individuals, and families can be found on this HSEM website.