LANSING, MICHIGAN - Governor Whitmer has proclaimed March 21-27 as Michigan’s Severe Weather Awareness Week. If your TV show unexpectedly turns off and sirens blare throughout the neighborhood today, Wednesday, March 24, do not be alarmed.

The Michigan State Police, Emergency Management, and Homeland Security division encourage residents to take part in a voluntary statewide tornado drill Wednesday at 1:00 pm. During the statewide tornado drill, residents will hear alerts, a siren on TV and radio stations, or outdoors.

Outdoor warning sirens are only used in emergencies and cover a 5,000 ft radius. The Meridian Township Fire Department will continue to increase the number of sirens in the Township, and the 10th siren will be installed in 2022 near Park Lake and Lake Lansing road.

“Tornadoes can happen at any time but are more prevalent in late spring and early summer. It’s important that your household or business has a plan to react quickly,” said Capt. Kevin Sweeney, deputy state director of Emergency Management and commander of the MSP/EMHSD. “This year, we are asking that large groups not shelter in place together during the drill, but to use instead of the opportunity to go over their emergency plans and update them if necessary.”

Before severe weather strikes, here are five tips to know:
1. Have a plan for before, during, and after the extreme weather hits.
2. Develop communication plans with your family, and organize regular drills, so that each family member knows where to go and what to do in an emergency.
3. Create an emergency preparedness kit with essential items such as a three-day supply of water and food, an NOAA Weather Radio, important family documents, and things that satisfy unique family needs.
4. Know the signs of an approaching tornado: dark, often greenish sky; large hail; a large, dark, low-lying cloud; and a roar.
5. Pay Attention to commercial radio or TV broadcasts for updates on approaching storms or changing weather conditions.

For more information on what to do during severe weather, check out the following website: https://www.ready.gov/severe-weather.
For more information or questions on outdoor warning sirens, please contact the Meridian Township Fire Department at 517.853.4700.