Missouri to observe Severe Weather Preparedness Week with safety tips, tornado drill

As spring arrives, the threat of dangerous thunderstorms and tornadoes becomes a concern. The Missouri State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) is encouraging Missourians to prepare for severe weather and learn how to protect themselves.

The National Weather Service (NWS), SEMA, and local emergency managers will observe Severe Weather Preparedness Week from March 3-7. The week coincides with Missouri’s annual statewide tornado drill, scheduled for March 5 at 11 a.m. Some communities may conduct the drill on a different day due to conflicting local events.

Throughout the week, the NWS will share safety tips and educational information on tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, flash flooding, lightning, and the importance of NOAA Weather Radios.

On the day of the tornado drill, NOAA Weather Radios set to receive Routine Weekly Tests (RWTs) will alert listeners when the drill begins. Outdoor warning sirens will also sound in participating Missouri communities. Participants are encouraged to practice taking cover in a designated shelter area or an interior room on the lowest level of a secure structure.

Schools, businesses, and families are encouraged to participate in the drill. Educators are also urged to use the drill as an opportunity to incorporate tornado facts, meteorological information, and safety tips into their lesson plans.

Safety tips from the NWS will be posted at https://www.weather.gov/lsx/severeweek.

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