The Virginia Department of Emergency Management and National Weather Service annual Statewide Tornado Drill that will take place next week.
Save The Date
Annual Virginia Tornado Drill
Tuesday, March 19, 2019
9:45 a.m.
The event is intended to be an opportunity for residents to prepare for tornadoes and test public warning systems.
At 9:45 a.m., the National Weather Service will send a test tornado warning over NOAA Weather Radios. The test will result in a tone alert, show a test message or flash to indicate a message (like what residents would receive during an actual tornado warning).
Local radio stations, TV stations and cable outlets will also broadcast the test message via the Emergency Alert System.
How To Plan & Participate
Designate a family member to coordinate your drill and have them follow the steps below:
Before the drill
Make sure everyone knows the date and time of the drill
Have a plan: Where and how will everyone shelter in place? Does anyone need special assistance in order to stay safe? How will you make sure everyone is safe?
Make a Kit: Do you have an emergency supply kit? http://www.vaemergency.gov/prepare-recover/emergency-supply-kit/
Make sure participants understand the plan, answer their questions beforehand to make sure they know what to do during the drill or a real tornado.
Remind participants about the drill before it begins
During the drill
Announce the start of the drill by using a public address system or having designated volunteers alert the members of your group. Do this by going room to room, floor by floor of your building.
Everyone should act as though a tornado warning has been issued for the immediate area or a tornado has been sighted near the building. They should move as quickly as possible to the nearest safe place. Use stairs to reach the lowest level of a building; avoid using elevators.
Remind participants that when they reach their safe area during a real tornado threat, they must crouch as low as possible to the floor, facing down and covering their heads with their hands. Ensure that everyone in your group knows this.
After everyone has moved to a safe place, the drill coordinator can announce that the tornado has passed and the drill is over.
After the drill
The drill coordinator should document any changes necessary in the procedure:
Do you need more safe areas?
Are safe areas uncluttered and accessible?
Do family members know the fastest routes to safe areas?
Does your alert system work?
Over the last decade Virginia has averaged 24 tornadoes a year. Peak tornado season in Virginia takes place from May to September, however tornadoes can occur at anytime of year.
Your safety is important to us. We hope you will participate in next week's tornado preparedness event, Tuesday, March 19 at 9:45 am.