​In Minnesota, we're no stranger to severe weather. We've been through blizzards, floods and tornadoes – sometimes all in the same year. The key to keeping those severe weather events from becoming tragedies is being prepared.

This Severe Weather Awareness Week — and all throughout the year — our Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) division is here to help you prepare your family for any emergency. This week (April 17-21) is a great time to create and practice an emergency plan with your family and put together an emergency preparedness kit.

Here's what your emergency kit should include:

• One gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation.
• At least a three-day supply of non-perishable food.
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both.
• Flashlight and extra batteries.
• First aid kit.
• Whistle to signal for help.
• Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place​. 
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation. 
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities.
• Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food). 
• Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger.

Before any emergency happens, make a plan. Make sure everyone has up-to-date contact information for everyone else and knows what to do and where to go. Practice the plan during the statewide tornado drills, which are scheduled for 1:45 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. Thursday, April 20.

Check with the places you and your loved ones frequently visit to learn their emergency plans. Make sure everyone in your family knows what to do, even if they aren't together when the storm hits.

Each day of Severe Weather Awareness Week focuses on a different severe weather event. We will be sharing information and resources every day this week to help you prepare and stay safe.

• Monday: Alerts and Warnings
• Tuesday: Severe Weather, Lightning and Hail
• Wednesday: Floods
• Thursday: Tornadoes
• Friday: Extreme Heat

Follow HSEM on and for daily tips on how to weather any storm. Learn more on the HSEM website.