Tornado sirens to be tested Wednesday

The National Weather Service (NWS), the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services, and other state, county and local agencies have come together to raise awareness about severe summer weather.

Residents be aware that the Statewide Tornado Drill will take place on Wednesday, May 1 between 11:15 and 11:30 a.m. The New Rockford Fire Department will sound local sirens to "test" tornado warning as part of the tornado drill initiation for Eddy County.

NWS offices in Bismarck and Grand Forks will be sending a Routine Weekly Test (RWT) message which will specify that it is for the N.D. statewide tornado test, and it should alert broadcasters and weather radio receivers.

Be Ready, Make a Plan, Have a Kit: A key message of Severe Summer Weather Awareness Week is to help residents understand the importance of having emergency plans in place before a flood, tornado or other threat is imminent.

The most important preparedness tip is to stay informed. At home, at work, or in your vehicle, have multiple ways to receive weather information and warnings: keep a battery-operated NOAA Weather Radio at home; watch TV and listen to the radio for weather updates; and download applications that push weather information to mobile devices."

Here are a few other severe weather awareness tips and resources:

 • Go to a basement or an innermost, first floor room in your home if you're told to take shelter during a tornado warning.

 • Know the location of and route to your office or building's tornado shelter.

 • Never try to outrun a tornado.

 • Have an emergency plan ready at places where your family spends time – work, school, daycare, commuting and outdoor events.

At a minimum, emergency kits should include one gallon of water per-day, per-person and per-pet, for three to five days. The kit should also have enough non-perishable food for each family member and pet for three to five days.

Other items that every kit should include: flashlight, battery-powered radio, extra batteries, first aid kit, personal hygiene items, cell phone charger or solar charger and copies of important family documents.

It is also important to have extra supplies of medications in your emergency kit, especially for those in the household with chronic health conditions.