Fond du lac County Emergency Management
April 2, 2025
John M. Ross, Director
April 7-11, 2025 is Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week in Wisconsin
FOND DU LAC — Knowing what to do when severe thunderstorms or tornadoes develop can make all the difference. April 7-11, 2025 has been designated as Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week in Wisconsin. This week is designated to share information regarding severe weather safety and encourage everyone to be prepared.
A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes. This is the time to prepare and monitor sources of emergency information such as a NOAA All-Hazards Radio (Weather radio) or local TV, radio, or cell phone apps that are available. You should be ready to go to your place of shelter if a warning is issued.
A Tornado Warning is issued for a smaller area in the immediate path of the storm and means a Tornado has been detected on radar or sighted by trained storm spotters. This is the time to get to your shelter space immediately as a possible tornado is in your area. Take flashlights, battery powered radios and other emergency supplies with you in case they are needed.
Know where your shelter spaces are located: Plan ahead and know where you would seek shelter from a Tornado at home, school, work of if you are in your vehicle. The basement is the best place to be. If that is not available then go to the lowest level of the building you are in and put as many walls between you and outside as possible. Interior hallways away from windows or bathrooms and closets can be good places to shelter. If you are in a mobile home, you need to get out and seek other shelter. Mobile homes are not safe places to be in a Tornado. If you are in your vehicle and in the path of a Tornado, try to get to a sturdy building if available. If not, exit your vehicle and get into a low-lying spot such as a ditch and lay flat. Do not shelter under bridges and overpasses as they can be unsafe due to flying debris.
Be informed—Have multiple sources of information before, during, and after an emergency to receive important information from responders and local officials about the emergency including vital information such as shelters and safety instructions. This is information you may need. NOAA All-Hazards Radio, local TV and Radio, cell phone apps and internet sites such as National Weather Service are examples of these types of sources of information. Remember, outdoor warning sirens are not intended to alert you while indoors so having another source of alerts is crucial.
Statewide Tornado Drill: On April 10th there will be a Statewide Tornado Drill. This is an excellent time to practice your plans both at home and at work. Two drills are planned. One at approximately 1:45pm and another at approximately 6:45pm. NOAA Weather radios and outdoor warning sirens may be activated during the drills. If there is threatening weather in the state on April 10th the drill will be postponed until Friday, April 11th. If you are unable to participate in the drills, please take another time to practice your plan and become familiar with the locations you will use for shelter if needed.
Fond du Lac County
Emergency Management
160 South Macy Street
Fond du Lac, WI 54935
