Missourians statewide will hear the 34th Annual Missouri Severe Weather Tornado Drill announced at 1:30 today. The State Emergency Management Agency says they are working closely with the National Weather Service to make sure everyone knows this is a drill, and that people at home, at work, and at school should take part.
"Severe Weather and tornados can happen anytime during the year," said Ronald M. Reynolds, SEMA Director. "According to the National Weather Service, Missouri averages 28 tornados a year. In 2006, Missouri experienced 102 tornados, which caused 13 fatalities and 273 injuries. Helping citizens know how to respond during a tornado is important."
The drill takes less than 15 minutes. SEMA calls for citizens to seek shelter in the lowest level room (basement if available) away from windows once the announcement is made. Missourians in Pleasant Hill, Springfield, St. Louis, Paducah, Davenport, and Memphis will hear the announcement via the NOAA Weather Warning System; Weather Tone Alert Radios and Broadcasters will announce it elsewhere. Depending on location, local emergency management directors may sound the outdoor warning sirens for the drill. If there are severe weather conditions across the state, the drill will be postponed until Thursday, March 13 at 1:30 p.m.
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