Statewide tornado drill set for Tuesday

Monday, March 21, 2016

As part of Severe Weather Preparedness Week March 20-26, the Division of Homeland Security (DHS), in cooperation with the National Weather Service (NWS) and other partners has selected Tuesday, March 22 as the date for two statewide tornado drills.

During the drills, the NWS will send a "tone alerted" warning message over the NOAA Weather Radios. DHS will also be setting off the outdoor warning sirens.

Should actual severe weather be a threat on Tuesday, March 22 the test will not occur.

The purpose of these tests is to allow each local authority a chance to test the warning sirens in a simulated emergency situation and to provide the opportunity for businesses and schools to test their procedures for severe weather incidents.

The first test will be initiated at 10:15 a.m., and the second test will be initiated at 7:35 p.m. The earlier test is primarily for the benefit of school participation and the majority of the workforce who are at their place of employment at that time. The later test will allow families the opportunity to practice their own personal safety measures within their home.

"Severe Weather Preparedness Week is designed to refresh, remind and educate everyone about the threats from severe weather and how to avoid them," Indianapolis Homeland Security Chief Gary Coons said. "It is a great time to talk to your family about what to do in an emergency. It is that time to dust off your emergency plan and build or refresh your emergency preparedness kit."

According the NWS, Indiana averages 20 tornadoes a year. Indiana had 26 tornadoes last year alone.

Tornadoes do occur year round but are most likely from April to June.

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