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Statewide tornado drill happening Wednesday morning

A great time to practice severe weather procedures
Posted at 7:02 AM, Jan 24, 2018
and last updated 2018-01-24 09:10:01-05

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.

 

 

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.