The National Weather Service will initiate a yearly statewide tornado drill on Wednesday, March 11, at approximately 9 a.m. using EAS and NOAA weather radios.
The National Weather Service will be activating using the TOR code. For radio stations, your EAS unit will activate and a message will be heard from the National Weather Service explaining that this is a test. For television stations a crawl will appear on the screen notifying viewers that this is a tornado warning.
This event is a test to determine the readiness of EAS equipment and emergency radio receivers located in broadcast facilities, schools, hospitals and other public buildings.
All EAS receivers and weather radios that are set to receive tornado codes should receive the drill message at approximately 9 a.m. on March 11.
This annual drill is a way for the public to learn simple precautions that could save lives.
Pick a place where family members could gather if a tornado is headed your way. It could be your basement or, if there is no basement, a center hallway, bathroom, or closet on the lowest floor. Keep this place uncluttered.
If you are in a high-rise building, you may not have enough time to go to the lowest floor. Pick a place in a hallway in the center of the building.
Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit containing:
- First aid kit and essential medications.
- Canned food and can opener.
- At least three gallons of water per person.
- Protective clothing, bedding, or sleeping bags.
- Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.
- Special items for infant, elderly or disabled family members.
Make sure you have written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas, and water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember, you’ll need a professional to turn natural gas service back on.)
If you are inside, go to the safe place you picked to protect yourself from glass and other flying objects. The tornado may be approaching your area.
If you are caught outdoors, seek shelter in a basement, shelter or sturdy building. If you cannot get to shelter, a recent study suggests doing the following:
Get into a vehicle, buckle your seat belt, and try to drive at right angles to the storm movement and out of the path.
If strong winds and flying debris occur while you are driving, pull over and park, keeping seat belts on and the engine running. Put your head down below the windows, covering with your hands and a blanket if possible.
If you are unable to get to a building or vehicle, as a last resort, lie in a ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands.
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