DETROIT – On Wednesday, March 18, at 1 p.m., Michigan will be having a statewide tornado drill as part of Severe Weather Awareness Week.

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The Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division is encouraging communities, businesses and individuals to participate, though the drill is not mandatory. Alerts may be broadcast via TV, radio, wireless emergency alerts and local sirens, depending on local participation.

The year 2026 has already proven to be an active severe weather season. On March 6, four tornadoes touched down across Branch, Calhoun, Cass and St. Joseph counties, killing four people and injuring many others.

Dozens of homes and businesses were destroyed or damaged.

Related: Whitmer’s office questions National Weather Service response after deadly tornados

The drill is a good time to practice a severe weather plan. Real tornadoes can strike with little warning, so readiness to act quickly is critical.

Tornado Safety Tips:

At Home:

• Go to the basement, under the stairs or under a heavy piece of furniture like a table or workbench.

• Get under heavy furniture, and cover your head with blankets or pillows. The biggest threat of death or injury comes from head injuries caused by flying or falling debris.

• Keep windows closed and stay away from them.

At School:

• Go to the lowest floor or basement.

• Get to interior rooms or hallways and protect your head.

• Stay out of gymnasiums and auditoriums.

• In Public Buildings

• Go to designated shelter, an interior hallway or small room on the lowest floor.

• Stay away from windows.

• Do not go to your car.

Out in the Open Country or Fields:

• Move away from a tornado at right angles.

• If a tornado is near, DO NOT try to outrun it.

• Get out of your car, lie flat in a ditch or depression.

• Stay away from large trees or metal poles. Cover your head.

Mobile Homes:

• Leave your mobile home immediately.

• If there is no designated community shelter, take cover in a ditch or depression.

• Persons in mobile homes should have a plan of action before threatening weather occurs.