By Pat Ingelse, Project Manager and Wellness Coordinator
Pat Ingelse
This week is Tornado & Severe Weather Awareness Week in Wisconsin. The team at Wisconsin Emergency Management and the five National Weather Service Forecast Offices serving the state ask members of the public to have safety plans in place in the event of severe weather.
The Red Cross has a good guide explaining how to prepare for a tornado, how to take shelter during a tornado, and steps for recovery after a tornado has passed through. (You can download a PDF here.) Major takeaways include:
On Wednesday, we tested our emergency calling tree, which informs employees about natural disasters or other events that could disrupt the bank’s regular work flow. To ensure you receive these calls, add the number 866-646-7421 to your contacts under a name like “NSB Emergency Alert.” And then remember to pick up when we call!
- During any storm, listen to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio to stay informed about tornado watches and warnings.
- Know your community’s warning system. Communities have different ways of warning residents about tornados, with many having sirens intended for outdoor warning purposes.
- Pick a safe room in your home where household members and pets may gather during a tornado. This should be a basement, storm cellar or an interior room on the lowest floor with no windows.
- Practice periodic tornado drills so that everyone knows what to do if a tornado is approaching.
Also, a statewide tornado drill will be held this evening. Remember: Listen, act, and live. Don’t ignore watches and warnings. Listen to them and take appropriate action. Every second counts in these situations, so get to a safe place immediately.