Severe weather can happen anytime, and being prepared makes all the difference. April 7–11 is Severe Weather Awareness Week in Minnesota and Wisconsin—a reminder to take simple steps now to keep yourself and your loved ones safe all year round.

Severe weather is unpredictable, but your safety doesn’t have to be. Whether you live in an assisted living community, receive care at home, or want peace of mind knowing your loved ones are safe, having a clear plan in place could save lives.

What you need to know: statewide tornado drills.

On Thursday, April 10, tornado drills will occur at 1:45 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. in most Minnesota and Wisconsin counties. Local sirens and NOAA Weather Radios will activate. Take advantage of these drills as opportunities to practice seeking shelter in your safest location, making sure everyone in your household or community knows exactly what to do.

Here's how you can be prepared.

  • Know your alerts – Set up emergency notifications on your phone and keep a NOAA Weather Radio nearby.
  • Create your plan – Identify safe places to shelter at home or in your community. If you or a loved one receive care at home or live in a senior living community, your caregiver can help make sure your safety plan meets your specific needs.
  • Build your emergency kit – Include water, nonperishable food, flashlights, extra batteries, and medical supplies. If you rely on medical equipment that requires power, ensure you have backup options.

How Vivie keeps you safe.

At Vivie, we put people first—and part of caring for you means always being prepared. Our senior living residences and home care providers have emergency response plans ready for severe weather. Our teams know exactly how to respond—from helping residents get to safe shelter during storms to making sure those receiving home care have the support they need.

Our caregivers can help you update emergency plans, review safety measures, and make sure medical needs are covered, no matter where you live or receive care. You’re never alone—we’re always ready to help.

For additional preparedness resources, visit:

At Vivie, we’re here to help you stay prepared, informed, and safe. Let’s be ready together.