Prepare for severe weather season in Lake County

Talk about it

Minnesota already had its first tornado of the year, and Lake County had one just last year, so it’s time to start thinking about what to do in severe weather. Here’s what Lake County is doing and what we recommend to you, since preparedness starts at home.

Tornado drills

On Thursday, April 19, Lake County will join with the National Weather Service in statewide tornado drills at 1:45 p.m. and 6:55 p.m. Plan to participate at work and at home.

Skywarn trainings

The National Weather Service provides free training in the detection and reporting of life-threatening thunderstorms. It’s coming to Wolf Ridge in Finland on Tuesday, April 10 at 6 p.m. (contact Wolf Ridge at 353-7414) and also to the Law Enforcement Center in Two Harbors on Tuesday May 1 at 6 p.m. (contact BJ Kohlstedt at 226-4444). In one free night, you’ll learn to read dangerous weather and when to call the National Weather Service. Please call to reserve a spot so we can have enough materials for all.

NOAA weather radios

A NOAA weather radio set to “ALERT” will automatically notify you of tornado drills and real weather and other emergencies. They can also provide lights, radios and cell phone chargers during power outages, and can be recharged themselves by solar panels or hand cranks. Many models are available at retail outlets or online.

Nixle

Subscribe to get free community alerts from www.NIXLE.com. These will provide free text messages and emails from Lake County during tornado drills, as well as other emergency notifications as needed. Nixle was most recently used to warn people who needed to evacuate during the Pagami Creek fire last fall.

Get a kit

Have a basic survival kit in your home that includes food and water for three days, a radio and flashlight, first aid, and personal items like toilet paper. A smaller “grab and go” evacuation kit should contain emergency contact information, medications, spare eyewear, and documentation of pets, medical information, insurance, etc.

For more information visit www.SevereWeather.state.mn.us. Better now than later.

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