This drill is not being coordinated by SWHSP, but we are sharing it for awareness:

STATEWIDE TORNADO DRILL: APRIL 10, 2025

Spring in Wisconsin brings warmer weather—and a higher risk of tornadoes and other severe storms. As part of Wisconsin’s Severe Weather Awareness Week (April 7–11, 2025), a Statewide Tornado Drill will be held on Thursday, April 10, at 1:45 PM and again at 6:45 PM.

This voluntary drill is a great opportunity to test your organization’s tornado shelter procedures, raise awareness among staff and volunteers, and reinforce lifesaving safety habits with the communities you serve.

What Can Your Organization Do?

• Review your organization’s tornado response and shelter-in-place procedures.
• Encourage participation in the drills at 1:45 PM and/or 6:45 PM on April 10^th (supporting materials below).
• Share emergency preparedness tips with your networks and communities.

Tips for Drill Participation:

• Notify staff, volunteers, and clients in advance.
• At the designated drill time, announce the start of the drill.
• • Note: Milwaukee & Waukesha counties will test their sirens at these times- but siren tests statewide may vary by community.
• Direct everyone to pre-designated tornado shelter areas.
• Use the moment to review roles, responsibilities, and signage.
• After the drill, debrief: What went well? What could be improved?

Resources to Help Coordinate a Drill:

Southeast Wisconsin Community Organizations Active in Disasters (COAD) has put together some materials to help coordinate drills, including:

•         A sample email you can adapt for drill coordinators at your organization
•         A sample email your drill coordinators can send to their staff/teams
•         A promotional flyer (also attached)
•         Tornado Drill Tips One-Pager
•         An optional assessment form to document the drill
• Download and Edit as needed!
• To access the Tornado Drill Toolkit: https://tinyurl.com/ycxs2m49.

Tornado Safety Reminders

• Best Shelter Areas: Basements, interior rooms on the lowest floor, or safe rooms
• Avoid: Windows, hallways with exterior doors, large open areas, and portable buildings
• Protective Position: Crouch low, head down, cover your neck and head with your arms
• Map and clearly mark shelter areas; review them with your team at least annually

Drill Contingency Plan

• If severe weather is forecast on April 10, the drill will be postponed to Friday, April 11
• If storms are expected both days, the drill will be cancelled
• Status updates will be posted by 10:00 AM on April 10 at: http://readywisconsin.wi.gov
• Follow @ReadyWisconsin on Facebook, Instagram, or X for real-time updates

Why It Matters

• In 2024, Wisconsin experienced 45 confirmed tornadoes—the third-highest total on record.
• Tornadoes can happen any time of year, with peak activity from May through August.
• Practicing your plan builds confidence, saves lives, and strengthens resilience.
• For more information visit: Tornadoes | ReadyWisconsin.