While the area was under a winter storm warning this week, Michigan wants residents this week to think about a different type of severe weather.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has declared March 16-22 as Michigan’s Severe Weather Awareness Week. With that in mind, the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division scheduled a voluntary statewide tornado drill for 1 p.m. Eastern time today.

“Last May, four tornadoes hit southwest Michigan in a single day, damaging homes and businesses across four counties,” said Capt. Kevin Sweeney, deputy state director of Emergency Management and commander of MSP/EMHSD. “Severe weather can strike fast. That’s why it’s important to have a plan to protect yourself, your family, home, and pets.”

According to the National Weather Service, the state of Michigan averages 15 tornadoes each year.

“The voluntary statewide tornado drill gives everyone a chance to put their severe weather plans to the test, so we are all better prepared when a disaster strikes,” Sweeney said.

During the tornado drill, residents may observe or hear alerts on TV and radio stations, as well as outdoor sirens in their community if the local emergency management agency is participating. Contact your local emergency management agency to learn how local alerts are administrated in your community, the MSP/EMHSD advised in a news release.

The average lead time for tornadoes to develop is 10 to 15 minutes, which means everyone needs to be ready to react quickly when a warning is issued. To be better prepared:

— Know the difference: a tornado WATCH means conditions exist for a tornado to develop; a tornado WARNING means a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar.

— Know the signs of an approaching tornado: dark, often greenish sky; large hail; a large, dark, low-lying cloud; and a loud roar, like a freight train.

— Stay tuned to commercial radio or television broadcasts for news on changing weather conditions or approaching storms.

— Develop an emergency preparedness kit with essential items, such as a three-day water and food supply, a NOAA Weather Radio, important family documents, and items that satisfy unique family needs.

— Identify a safe place in your home for household members and pets to gather during a tornado.

— Make sure everyone understands the tornado warning system in your area.

For more information about being safe before, during and after a tornado, follow the MSP/EMHSD on X at @MichEMHS or go to www.michigan.gov/miready.