Statewide Tornado Drill: Wednesday, March 23

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has declared  March 20-26 to be Michigan’s Severe Weather Awareness Week.  Broadcasters and Emergency Management partners statewide are encouraging Michiganders to conduct a statewide tornado drill at 1 p.m. ET Wednesday, March 23.

Broadcaster participation will include a EAS Required Monthly Test at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, March 23.  As with all RMTs, the test will remind the public that in the event of a tornado, severe weather or other emergency, official information would have followed the EAS tones.

Broadcasters are encouraged to run the alert as soon as possible after 1pm, following the reception of the RMT.  They are also encouraged to promote the test and their role in relaying important information to the public when severe weather strikes.  This can be done on-air and through websites and social media.

On a voluntary basis, Emergency Managers may conduct a test of warning sirens and other drills.  Broadcasters are encouraged to contact their local emergency management personnel to get specific details on activities happening in their communities.

Additional resources, tips for listeners and viewers and graphics are available here.

Thank you for your commitment to being preparedness leaders in the state and in your communities.

If you have any questions, please contact Dan Kelley at the MAB: 517.484.7444 or dkelley@michmab.com.