Allegan County Emergency Management reminds residents that the 2016 statewide tornado drill will take place at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 13.

Allegan County Emergency Management encourages public institutions, business and residents to review their plans and participate in this drill if the situation permits.

Allegan County will not activate sirens during this state-wide tornado drill. Allegan County siren testing is practiced at 11 a.m. the fourth Friday of each month.

Outdoor warning sirens in Michigan are independently controlled by local officials in townships, villages, cities and counties, varying community by community to meet local needs. Many communities have different plans, procedures and requirements for sounding sirens established years in advance, preventing testing during the tornado drill.

“Outdoor warning sirens are designed to alert residents about danger when outside,” said Scott Corbin, Allegan County Emergency Management Coordinator. “We do this on a routine basis to ensure they are operational and the public is familiar with where they are located and how they sound. Allegan County encourages your participation during this state-wide drill by reviewing your institutional, organizational or personal safety plans. Always rely on multiple forms of information such as local TV, radio stations or NOAA Weather Radio regarding actions you should take to protect yourself.”

During this state-wide tornado drill there will be alerts on NOAA Weather Radios and view alerts on participating TV and radio stations.

Gov. Rick Snyder has proclaimed Michigan’s Severe Weather Awareness Week from April 10-16. The statewide tornado drill is a part of a seasonal effort to encourage Michigan residents to take action to prepare and practice emergency plans.

In the event of actual severe weather on April 13, the 2016 Statewide Tornado Drill will occur at 1:30 p.m. EDT on Thursday, April 14.

For more information about tornadoes and other severe weather, go to our website Allegan County Emergency Management.

For more information, call Scott Corbin, Director

Allegan County Sheriff’s Office, Emergency Management, 269-673-0571, or e-mail scorbin@allegancounty.org