The National Weather Service, State Emergency Management Agency and local emergency management will conduct a statewide severe weather tornado drill at 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 11. If Missouri is experiencing statewide severe weather conditions, the National Weather Service will hold the statewide drill on the backup date, 1:30 p.m., Thursday, March 13.
“Severe Weather and tornados can happen anytime during the year. Missouri received a presidential disaster declaration for public assistance for the Jan. 8 severe weather systems and tornadoes that impacted nine counties,” said Ronald M. Reynolds, SEMA director. “According to the National Weather Service, Missouri averages 28 tornadoes a year. In 2006, Missouri experienced 102 tornadoes, 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 to perform. Once the severe weather announcement is made, citizens are asked to seek shelter in the lowest level (basement if possible) interior room away from windows. Schools and businesses might seek shelter in basements, hallways or under staircases. The drill also highlights the importance of accounting for everyone in your home, class or office.
Houston will test its storm sirens as part of the exercise.
Here are some weather tips:
*Tornado watch means watch the sky.
*Tornado warning means seek shelter immediately.
Safe Shelter Locations: If you are at home, school or work, go immediately to an interior room with no windows on the lowest possible floor. If you are at school or work do not go to a cafeteria, gymnasium or large interior open space because the roof might collapse. If you are in a mobile home, leave it immediately – seek shelter in a nearby building or in a ditch.
Safe Driving Information: Take shelter in a nearby building, in a ditch or low-lying area away from your car. If you are outside, remember to cover your head with your arms, coat or blanket to protect yourself from flying debris. Never try to out drive a tornado.
Overpasses Are Not Safe – An overpass’s under-the-girder-type construction can cause a dangerous wind tunnel effect. This may cause the winds to be stronger and more focused underneath. This can also cause the overpass to be a collector of debris.
A flash flood watch is issued when the meteorologist expects rainfall to be heavy enough to produce flash flooding.
A flash flood warning is issued when flash flooding is imminent or already in progress. If you are in its path, move to higher ground immediately.
Water on the Road: never drive into water on the road. If your car stalls, get out of your car immediately and seek higher ground. It takes less than two feet of water to make your car float. Once floating downstream, your car can overturn trapping you inside.
Helpful Web Sites:
State of Missouri’s Ready in 3 Program: http://www.dhss.mo.gov/Ready_in_3/
SEMA’s Severe Weather Campaign: http://sema.dps.mo.gov
FEMA’s Animals in Emergencies for Pet Owners DVD: http://www.fema.gov/individual/animals.shtm