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Michigan, Ohio Complete Statewide Tornado Drills Testing Sirens and Readiness

The exercises followed deadly March 6 Michigan tornadoes to reinforce public preparedness.

Overview

  • Michigan held its drill at 1 p.m., with many local jurisdictions voluntarily sounding outdoor warning sirens and exercising emergency operations procedures.
  • Oakland County remotely activated 276 sirens from Holly to Southfield, reaching about 1.3 million people, and flagged units for follow-up inspection and repair.
  • Officials reported they can trigger and monitor sirens from an operations center or a secure phone app to speed warnings when time is short.
  • Ohio conducted its statewide test at 9:50 a.m., with the National Weather Service issuing a clearly marked test alert that prompted sirens and NOAA Weather Radio while no severe weather occurred.
  • Agencies urged schools, businesses and residents to review shelter locations and update emergency kits, noting TV, radio, wireless alerts and local sirens may be used in real events.