Florence County Emergency Management

Near-surface wildfire smoke continues to cycle across the area. Hazardous AQI (Air Quality Index) is expected across much of the region today including Florence County.

People with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children should reduce prolonged exposure or heavy exertion. The Wisconsin DNR has an Air Quality Advisory in effect until at least noon Friday.

Tips to consider while the wildfire smoke continues to make the air quality unhealthy.😶‍🌫️

✔️ Avoid outdoor activity as much as possible.
✔️ Wear an N95 respirator fitted correctly.
✔️ Set your air conditioner to recirculate mode (only if you have fresh air intake).

Learn more: https://ow.ly/SyPX50Zoiuy

It's going to be H-O-T today and for the next few days! ♨️

With hot temperatures, it's important to know the signs of heat-related illness.🥵

👉 Heat exhaustion: dizziness, thirst, heavy sweating, nausea, and weakness. Act fast by moving to a cooler area and sipping cool water.

👉 Heat stroke: confusion, dizziness, and possible unconscious. Call 9-1-1 immediately!

The good news? There's a few steps to stay safe:

🚰 Stay hydrated.
📱 Be informed.
🧊 Keep cool.
👀 Be aware how you're feeling.

Remember to also protect your pets when it's hot outside!😺🐶🐰

🚫 NEVER leave pets inside a vehicle on hot days, even with the windows open.
💧 Give plenty of water.
👀 Keep an eye on their health, they can get heat exhaustion or heat stroke too!
🏠 Move indoors, if possible.
🐾 Pavement holds heat - use caution when taking pets for walks to avoid burns to their paws/pads

Learn more at https://readywisconsin.wi.gov/extreme-heat/

Wisconsin Statewide Tornado Drills canceled for 2026

For Immediate Release

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MADISON, Wis. – The annual statewide tornado drills scheduled for Thursday, April 16, 2026, are being canceled in light of recent severe weather events that have impacted communities across Wisconsin. There will not be an alternative date for these drills.

The decision comes as emergency management, local agencies, and people are actively responding and recovering from the impacts of these recent storms. ReadyWisconsin determined proceeding with the scheduled drills would place additional strain on already stretched resources as many communities continue to deal with storm impacts, assessing damage, and supporting affected family members and loved ones.

“While tornado preparedness is critically important, our immediate priority is on the safety and recovery of those impacted by these recent storms,” said Wisconsin Emergency Management Administrator Greg Engle. “We recognize the value of these drills, but at this time, our communities need the flexibility and focus on real-world responses.”

ReadyWisconsin encourages people to still be informed about tornado safety, review personal emergency plans, and remain vigilant year-round for potential severe weather and tornadoes. Resources and guidance on tornado safety can be found at https://readywisconsin.wi.gov/tornadoes/.

The next statewide tornado drills for Wisconsin are scheduled for April 15, 2027.