Michigan’s 2026 statewide tornado drill to be held today — Everything you need to know
DETROIT – On Wednesday, March 18, at 1 pm, Michigan will be having a statewide tornado drill as part of Severe Weather Awareness Week.
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The Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division is encouraging communities, companies and people to take part, though the drill isn’t necessary. Alerts could be broadcast through TV, radio, wi-fi emergency alerts and native sirens, relying on native participation.
The 12 months 2026 has already confirmed to be an energetic extreme climate season. On March 6, 4 tornadoes touched down throughout Branch, Calhoun, Cass and St. Joseph counties, killing four people and injuring many others.
Dozens of homes and businesses were destroyed or damaged.
Related: Whitmer’s office questions National Weather Service response after deadly tornadoes
The drill is an efficient time to follow a extreme climate plan. Real tornadoes can strike with little warning, so readiness to act rapidly is crucial.
Tornado Safety Tips:
AtResidence:
Go to the basement, beneath the steps or beneath a heavy piece of furnishings like a desk or workbench.
Get beneath heavy furnishings, and canopy your head with blankets or pillows. The largest menace of dying or damage comes from head accidents brought on by flying or falling particles.
Keep home windows closed and keep away from them.
At School:
Go to the bottom flooring or basement.
Get inside rooms or hallways and shield your head.
Stay out of gymnasiums and auditoriums.
In Public Buildings
Go to designated shelter, an inside hallway or small room on the bottom flooring.
Stay away from home windows.
Don’t go to your automobile.
Out within the Open Country or Fields:
Move away from a tornado at proper angles.
If a tornado is close to, DO NOT attempt to outrun it.
Get out of your automobile, lie flat in a ditch or melancholy.
Stay away from giant bushes or metallic poles. Cover your head.
Mobile Homes:
Leave your cell house instantly.
If there isn’t a designated neighborhood shelter, take cowl in a ditch or melancholy.
Persons in cell houses ought to have a plan of motion earlier than threatening climate happens.
