Wednesday will be a good day to practice severe weather procedures as the Florida Division of Emergency Management will hold a statewide tornado drill.
According to FloridaDisaster.org, all participants should consider themselves under a Tornado Watch at 8 a.m. and at approximately 10 a.m., the National Weather Service will issue a practice Tornado Warning. The Warning message will broadcast on the NOAA Alert Radio as a weekly test message.
All Floridians should use the tornado drill to develop and practice their severe weather plans, according to FloridaDisaster.org.
ALERT | Statewide Tornado Drill at 10AM today. You may get a practice tornado warning on your device, including weather radios. This is a good chance to practice your severe weather procedures. No actual severe weather today. Sunny and near 70. #flwx#GMTBpic.twitter.com/sqd2VpRl90
— Greg Dee (@GregDeeWeather) January 24, 2018
Here is a timeline of the statewide tornado drill:
January 24: The Day of the Drill
After 8:00 a.m. EST
Consider a Tornado Watch to be in effect
- Announce watch to staff and/or students
- Designate authority (coordinator)
- Evacuate tornado vulnerable areas
10:00 a.m. EST
Tornado Warning
- Receive message
- Coordinator determines threat
- Upon determination of immediate threat, give “take shelter” or “duck and cover” command (depending on space available at location)
10:30 a.m. EST
Termination of Watch and Warning
- Give instructions to return to normal activities (You will not receive notification. Terminate the drill as you see fit.)
After the Drill -- Wrap-up
Following the drill, assess and revise plan as needed.
Residents in Pinellas County who participate in the Tornado Drill are asked to post a photo on social media with hashtag #PCtornadodrill for a chance to win a NOAA weather alert radio.
The drill should be considered over at 10:30 a.m.
