Severe Weather Awareness on AM Minnesota 4-16-15

The week of April 13-17, is Severe Weather Awareness Week in Minnesota. It's conducted in partnership with the National Weather Service and local governments.

The Severe Weather Awareness Week campaign helps teach Minnesotans about weather hazards and provides resources to minimize the risks associated with severe weather.

There will be two tornado drills conducted today. One is at 1:45PM to give schools, businesses, hospitals and other organizations a chance to practice emergency plans. Another drill will be at 6:55PM to allow families and second-shift workers to practice their plans. Everyone is encouraged to participate in one or both of these drills to ensure that employees, students, residents and families are familiar with their emergency plan and shelter areas.

Guests on the AM Minnesota show are Jennifer Hauer-Schmitz, Emergency Management Director for Rice County; John Rowan, Assistant Emergency Director for Rice County; Dustin Dienst, Fire Chief and Emergency Management for the City of Faribault; and Meteorologist Mace Michaels.