Severe weather can threaten the lives and property of Minnesotans at any time. To make the public more aware of safety procedures surround severe weather, Governor Mark Dayton proclaimed April 15-19 as Severe Weather Awareness Week.

The Koochiching County Sheriff’s Office will join in some of the activities during the week.

Since 2000, disasters have claimed the lives of 21 Minnesotans and caused more than $373 million in federally declared damages.

“It takes the whole community to prepare for, respond to and recover from tornadoes, straight-line winds, floods and heat waves,” said Kris Eide, Director of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM), a division of the Department of Public Safety. “We hope all residents will take time during this week to re-assess their personal emergency plans and supplies.”

HSEM partners with the National Weather Service and various state agencies to present comprehensive life-saving information on its website, www.dps.mn.gov. Each day of Severe Weather Awareness Week is devoted to a specific topic to help keep Minnesota ready.

Monday – alerts and warnings

Today’s technology is providing notification about approaching severe weather more available than ever. The HSEM website has information explaining the new wireless emergency alerts that provide tornado warnings on cell phones.

Learn when and why your community sounds its outdoor warning sirens and what action to take when they are activated.

Review what action to take if you are driving during a tornado warning. Severe Weather Awareness Week is a great opportunity to talk with your children and elderly parents to ensure they know proper procedures.

Tuesday – severe weather, lightning and hail

Every thunderstorm produces lightning.

Wednesday – floods

Spring flooding and flash flooding combine to produce some of the most dangerous and costly disasters in Minnesota.

Thursday – statewide tornado drill

At 1:45 p.m., The National Weather Service will issue a simulated tornado warning for Minnesota counties. Businesses, schools and local and state agencies are encouraged to use this warning as a time to review emergency procedures.

At 6:55 p.m., The National Weather Service will issue a second simulated tornado warning. The second drill is issued to allow families to practice their emergency plan at home.

Friday – extreme heat

Heat-related illness accounted for 35 deaths in Minnesota from 2000-2010. The Minnesota Department of Health says residents 65 and older are most vulnerable to heat-related hospitalizations.

Severe Weather Awareness Week is a time to join together as a community and share ideas to keep all Minnesotans ready.