Pontiac, Michigan – Oakland County will observe Severe Weather Awareness Week March 21-27 which will include a statewide tornado drill on Wednesday, March 24 at 1 p.m. Severe Weather Awareness Week is an opportunity to review emergency plans and learn more about severe weather threats in Michigan.

“Spring is traditionally a period where the threat of high winds, hail, lightning, tornadoes and severe thunderstorms is higher,” Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter said. “Severe Weather Awareness Week is a reminder to residents, schools, businesses, and other organizations to review their emergency procedures and prepare for weather-related hazards.”

Oakland County’s Emergency Management and Homeland Security Department Emergency web page and social media provide information about severe weather threats, including developing a family emergency plan, tornados, downed power lines, floods, fires and more.

During the statewide tornado drill on Wednesday, March 24, the National Weather Service will issue a practice tornado warning and broadcast a test message on National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Weather Radio. The practice warning can be heard on a NOAA Weather Radio, which can be bought commercially, or heard through the NOAA Weather Radio app.

Every time a siren test is conducted (whether first Saturday of the month or special test) an “OakAlert” message is sent to subscribers. OakAlert is a self-registering alert system which emails participants about extreme incidents in Oakland County. The message on March 24 will communicate information about the statewide test.

Individuals, families and businesses throughout Oakland County are encouraged to use the tornado drill as an opportunity to practice and ensure that they are prepared for severe weather.

For more resources on how you can prepare your home, school or business for severe weather emergencies and other disasters, or to sign up for OakAlerts, visit www.oakgov.com/emergency-management and follow @OakGov.HS on Twitter and Facebook for preparedness tips and emergency information.

Severe Weather Week Flyer