Today, in conjunction with Severe Weather Awareness Week, the Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office and other local emergency response agencies will participate in a statewide tornado drill, encouraging residents to review thunderstorm, lightning and tornado safety procedures.

Sheriff’s Office officials are encouraging people to use this week to review and update plans in case of an area emergency.

The outdoor warning siren system is designed to notify people of impending dangerous weather and that they should seek shelter immediately, typically in the lowest level of a building, away from windows. If shelter is not available, people should seek the lowest ground level. Motorists should try to find shelter outside of their vehicle.

Officials also encourage people to make sure to have a battery-operated radio and flashlight.

The first sounding of the sirens, at 1:45 p.m., is geared so that schools, hospitals, businesses and day care centers can practice their emergency plans.

The second drill will take place at 6:55 p.m. and is intended for families to practice their family emergency plan.