Statewide tornado drill to be held next week

A statewide tornado drill will be held next week as part of Emergency Preparedness Week.

According to Bartholomew County Emergency Management, the test is scheduled for 10:15 a.m. in the morning on Wednesday, March 10th. During the test outdoor warning sirens will sound, a test message will be broadcast on weather radios, and radio and tv stations will also air the test message.

Emergency officials say that the test will be a good time to practice your real tornado response including identifying and moving to a designated safe area such as a basement or interior room on the lowest floor of a building. You should also go over your emergency communication plan with family members and businesses and schools should review their shelter-in-place procedures.

Officials encourage you to have multiple ways to receive warnings including a NOAA Weather Radio, trusted weather apps, local media and emergency alerts on your phone or tablet.

Bartholomew County Emergency Management says that the normal monthly test of the county’s tornado sirens is still set for noon today, weather permitting.

Bartholomew County emergency officials recommends the following steps to prepare for severe weather:

Know the difference:

• Tornado Watch – Conditions are favorable for tornadoes.
• Tornado Warning – A tornado has been sighted or indicated by radar. Take shelter
  immediately.

Build an emergency kit:  Include water, non-perishable food, flashlight, extra batteries, first aid supplies, medications, and important documents.