Missouri Annual Tornado Drill

http://www.crh.noaa.gov/dvn/?n=sirenqcmetro#faq1

Sirens  Scheduled To Sound Off Tuesday Afternoon During Missouri's Annual Severe Weather
Awareness Week





As a part of Missouri's severe weather awareness week a tornado drill is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Tuesday afternoon. The drill will be conducted state wide unless there is severe weather possible. The drill lasts for 3 minutes and gives each community the chance to test its warning system. Some communities conduct test on a monthly basis to ensure all sirens function properly and detect any problem areas. During an emergency situation such as a tornado or high winds 70-80 mph in some communities sirens sound for 3 minutes to warn the public of incoming severe weather.

Tornado May 30, 2008 In Center, MO

If you here the sirens going off in your community you should SEEK SHELTER IMMEDIATELY on the lowest floor of your home or business (a basement is best if available) or an interior room away from windows. If you live in a mobile home you should abandon it and seek shelter in a sturdy structure such as an underground storm shelter or a community storm shelter. If in a vehicle do not try to outrun a tornado! Seek safety in a low lying area (under overpasses are not recommended) and cover the back of your head. There will not be an all clear signal. AM/FM radios, weather radios, and other news media should be followed to know when it is safe to leave shelter. If the siren sounds again after 3 minutes it means the warning has been extended or a tornado has been spotted and on the ground in your community. Remember tornadoes can form with little or no advanced warning and during a severe thunderstorm warning. Being aware of weather conditions and prepared in advance can help safe your life in the event of such a disaster occurring.