LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) — Michigan will hold its annual statewide tornado drill at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, March 19, part of Severe Weather Awareness Week, which runs March 16–22.

The Michigan State Police are encouraging schools, businesses, and families to participate in the voluntary drill, according to the Detroit Free Press. 

MORE NEWS: ‘May God Bless America’: Louisiana Singer Jason Bellard’s Powerful New Anthem Calls on Americans to Stand Up for Faith, Truth and the Next Generation

“Unfortunately, a lot of individuals do not think about these things until it is too late,” the state’s MIREADY site warns.

Officials say it’s not just a formality: Michigan averages 15 tornadoes each year with most occurring between late spring and early summer. More information and tornado prep resources are available at michigan.gov/miready.