Each year, Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) in collaboration with the National Weather Service and 16 State and local agencies and organizations sponsors Severe Weather Awareness Week in Minnesota. The week is designed to refresh, remind and educate everyone about the seasonal threats from severe weather and how to avoid them. It's also a great time to make and practice your emergency plan and build or refresh your emergency preparedness kit.
Two of the most important events during Severe Weather Awareness Week are the annual statewide tornado drills when sirens across the state will sound off. These drills are scheduled for Thursday, April 16, 2015 at 1:45 p.m. and 6:55 p.m.
Outdoor warning sirens and NOAA Weather Radios 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.