This article outlines Cass County’s Severe Weather Awareness Week (April 13–17). It details the drills, training opportunities, and alert systems designed to help residents prepare for tornadoes, floods, heat, and other hazards.
It explains how to participate and what to expect from the National Weather Service. The article also covers how to stay informed through local emergency management channels.
Severe Weather Awareness Week: dates, goals, and daily topics
During this dedicated week, the Cass County Sheriff’s Office emphasizes reducing risk and costs by educating the public. Community involvement is encouraged throughout the week.
The National Weather Service will guide daily topics so residents know what hazards to watch for each day, from alerts and warnings to extreme heat. The schedule is:
Monday: alerts and warnings
Tuesday: severe weather including lightning and hail
Wednesday: flooding
Thursday: tornadoes
Friday: extreme heat
Throughout the week, officials will conduct emergency tests of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and NOAA all-hazard radios. They also encourage residents to consider purchasing a weather radio to receive alerts directly in homes and businesses.
Key events: drills, training, and participation
One of the centerpiece activities is a pair of tornado drills scheduled for Thursday, April 16. A statewide drill for institutions and workplaces will occur at 1:45 p.m., followed by a 6:45 p.m. drill for families and late-shift workers.
These drills help test communication channels and readiness in different environments. Best practices for sheltering and reporting observations are reinforced during these exercises.
Residents have an opportunity to gain hands-on expertise through Skywarn Storm Spotter training. A free in-person session is planned for 6 p.m. on April 7 at the Walker Hackensack Akeley School.
RSVPs are requested by March 30 to emergency management director Chad Emery. If you cannot attend in person, virtual Skywarn classes are available through the Duluth National Weather Service website.
This training equips volunteers to identify and report significant weather phenomena. These reports help improve local warnings and response.
- Participate in in-person or virtual Skywarn training to become a trained storm spotter.
- Join the April 16 tornado drills to experience the alert process and safe response in real-world settings.
- Test and tune home or workplace alerting systems to ensure rapid notifications during severe weather.
How to stay informed: alerts, systems, and sign-ups
Residents are encouraged to engage with multiple channels for timely weather information. The National Weather Service will test the Emergency Alert System and NOAA all-hazard radios during the week.
Having a reliable weather radio in use is important. Cass County will also test the NIXLE messaging system.
To receive these alerts, residents may sign up via the county Emergency Management page or text their ZIP code to 888777.
Weather sirens in Cass County operate under the Weather Warn System. They are activated automatically when the NWS issues a tornado or extreme wind warning, or when a trained spotter reports a tornado.
This follows state best practices. The layered alert approach ensures timely notifications for indoor facilities and outdoor environments alike.
Practical tips for residents
To make the most of Severe Weather Awareness Week, consider the following steps:
- Ensure your NOAA weather radio is functional and programmed for your area.
- Sign up for NIXLE alerts and verify contact details for family and neighbors.
- Review your emergency plan with household members and coworkers ahead of drills.
- Test sirens and alert devices to confirm they are audible at your location.
- Know who to contact in your county for questions or assistance—reach out to the emergency management office for guidance.
Contacts and how to learn more
For more information or questions about Severe Weather Awareness Week activities, residents may contact Chad Emery at 218-547-7437.
You can also reach out via the county emergency management email provided on the official pages.
By participating in drills and attending Skywarn training, Cass County residents can improve their readiness for severe weather.
Subscribing to official alert channels can also help protect lives and property when storms arrive.
Here is the source article for this story: April 13-17 is severe weather awareness week in Cass County