The Severe Weather Awareness Week Topic for Thursday is Tornados and Tornado Drill Day with Crookston Firefighter Garrett Bengston. Tornados are nature’s most intense violent storms. Minnesota averages about 40 tornadoes per year.
Bengston began by giving safety tips to those experiencing tornados. “In a house with a basement, avoid the windows, and get to the basement,” said Bengston, “Get under any kind of sturdy protection. You can get under a heavy table or workbench or cover yourself with a mattress or sleeping bag. In a house with no basement, avoid the windows and go to the lowest floor, a small center room like a bathroom or closet, under a stairwell or interior hallway with no windows.”
Those who live in an apartment, dorm, or condo are advised to quickly get to the lowest level of the building. This could include an underground parking garage or a neighbor’s first-floor apartment. You can then move the interior area as quickly as possible. You are advised to exit immediately if you live in a mobile home. “If your home is tied down, you are probably safer outside,” said Bengston, “We do have City Hall downstairs basement available during strong weather. Whether it’s straight-line winds or tornado warnings available at that time.”
Tornado drill day will occur on Thursday, April 1, at 1:45 p.m. By this time, the drill will be activated, and sirens will sound off. However, there is no such thing as an all-clear- siren. The siren will go entirely through all jurisdictions throughout Minnesota, sounding their outdoor warning sirens. Schools, businesses, and other facilities are encouraged to conduct a tornado drill at this time and practice their tornado shelter plans. Bengston also commented that if you have children at home, he highly recommends parents practice tornado drills with them.
There will be another tornado drill at 6:45 p.m. to allow second-shift workers and families at home to practice their sheltering plans. All participation in these drills is voluntary. Bengston would also like to remind people that there is no “All Clear” siren or signal, so he reminds everyone to stay alert and to stay safe.
