PC: Fox 11 Online
(WTAQ-WLUK) — An alarm sounds at school. It’s not the sound of a traditional fire alarm, but rather, the alarm for a possible tornado.
“In our back area is a siren that is put up by the county,” said Kathy Held, principal at Hemlock Creek Elementary, which is part of the School District of West De Pere.
Even though community sirens are meant to be heard outside, some schools have the alarm system within the facility, too.
Held said, “We also have an internal system that we use that is different than a fire alarm bell. We do have an internal weather radio in the office as well, so we signal that radio, teachers and staff handbook know what to do in case of a procedure with that with the emergency.”
Ready Wisconsin, part of the Department of Military Affairs, wants to ensure all schools partake in the annual tornado drill. This usually takes place during the middle of April every year.
“Typically, we get a packet of information,” Held explained. “We get notification of when we’re going to have the Brown County or the statewide drills. We notify staff and also post on social media accounts so parents are aware of that as well.”
Of course, the main message is always being weather aware.
“We want to practice, just like as fire drill,” Held said. “Safety is the upmost important for our students.”
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