[Excerpts from Apr. 19, 2004 MN Dept. of Public Safety Press Release]
Even as Minnesotans welcome the onset of spring, they must remember that severe thunderstorms, tornadoes and floods are almost certain to follow. To raise awareness of these dangerous possibilities, state and county emergency managers, the Red Cross and the National Weather Service conduct educational and preparedness activities during Severe Weather Awareness Week, April 19 through 23.

The Department of Public Safety Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) Web site provides schools, health care facilities, local governments and media outlets with safety information on weather watches and warnings, thunderstorms, lightning, hail, flash flooding, tornadoes and heat waves. The HSEM Severe Weather Awareness Week Web site provides links to other sites with downloadable materials for children and educators.

HSEM encourages everyone to practice an emergency plan in conjunction with the statewide tornado drill at 1:45 p.m. on April 22. A 6:55 p.m. drill that day will allow families and second-shift workers to practice their plans.

Full Release
HSEM Website
HSEM Severe Weather Awareness Week Website
Map of Counties Participating in Tornado Drill

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