Ask a Fire Marshal About Your Tornado Preparedness During Severe Weather Awareness Week

The tornado watch Sunday in Shakopee was the first severe weather event of the season, which as we know around here, can be active. Between March and September of 2010, Minnesota experienced a record 113 tornadoes, (the most in the U.S.) with a total of 48 on a single day in June. 

The lesson from these events is that Minnesota weather hazards can happen anytime and anywhere, and the key to maintaining your personal safety and well-being is to be aware of the threats, be prepared, and know how to receive and respond to warnings. Severe Weather Awareness Week is taking place this week, with the statewide tornado drills on Thursday, April 19.

Schools and businesses are encouraged to practice emergency plans during the statewide tornado drill at 1:45 p.m. on Thursday. A second drill at 6:55 p.m. will take place in most counties, including Scott County, to allow families and second-shift workers to practice sheltering plans.

Are you ready if and when tornado sirens go off? Do you really have a plan? What do you need to know to get ready for tornado season? Or can you help the rest of us with your suggestions and experience?

Ask your questions. Or answer someone else's in the comments below.

Shakopee Fire Station Captain and Fire Marshal Tom Pitschneider and others from the  will be monitoring this article this week and will answer your questions in the comments box. (Now that's good Shakopee service!)