Statewide Tornado Drill Planned for March 6

Missouri is preparing to hold a statewide tornado drill on Wednesday, March 6 at 11 a.m. Pettis County EMA will be participating in this drill as well.

Be Storm Aware

The EMA wants you to be storm aware. What does that mean, you ask?

Being StormAware means that you and your family not only know how to protect yourselves in the event of a tornado or severe weather, but that you are aware whenever the weather forecast calls for a chance of severe storms; that during those times you monitor weather for severe weather watches and warnings.

It means that you have planned in advance where you will take shelter at home, work and at other places that you and your family regularly visit.

Being StormAware means you have a NOAA weather radio in case of severe weather warnings in the middle of the night and that you have signed up for severe weather alerts by text message or other means.

Make plans now

The statewide drill planned for March 6 is an opportunity for Missourians to practice their sheltering plans and ensure readiness in case of a severe weather emergency while at home, work or school. A tornado can happen anytime, anywhere, day or night.

Create a plan for where you and your family will go in the event of a tornado — at home, at work and at relatives’ or friends’ homes that you visit frequently. Always be alert to changing weather conditions.
Pick a safe room in your home where household members and pets may gather during a tornado. This should be a basement, storm cellar or an interior room on the lowest floor with no windows.
Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or to commercial radio or television newscasts for the latest information.
Check with your work and your children’s school and day care center regarding tornado emergency plans. Every building has different safe places. It is important to know where they are and how to get there in an emergency.
Make sure everyone understands how tornado siren warning systems work and if a warning system is installed in your area.
Mark clearly where your first-aid kit and fire extinguishers are located. Make sure the first-aid kit is properly stocked with medical supplies.
Teach your family how to administer basic first aid, how to use a fire extinguisher, and how and when to turn off water, gas, and electricity in your home.
Mark clearly where the utility switches or valves are located so they can be turned off – if time permits – in an emergency.
Learn the emergency dismissal policy for your child’s school

Know the difference

A Tornado Watch means tornadoes are possible. Remain alert for approaching storms. Watch the sky and stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for information.

A Tornado Warning means a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Take shelter immediately.

When a tornado strikes

It’s important to know how to stay safe if a tornado is in the area. Learn what to do if a tornado strikes while you are at home, in a mobile home or at school.

Tornado sirens

What should you do when you hear a tornado siren? When are tornado sirens sounded? Are you aware of the limitations of outdoor warning systems?

Emergency Kit
Keep the following items in a container that can be easily carried.
Water and canned or dried food – families should set aside one gallon of water per person per day, to last three days, and a three-day supply of food per person. The food should be nonperishable items that don’t need to be cooked, such as tuna and crackers. Remember to include a manual can opener. If there’s an infant in the house, include formula and baby food.
Battery powered radio
Flashlight
Extra batteries for the radio and flashlight
Prescription medications
First-aid kit

Storing important documents
Store the following documents in a fire- and water-proof safe:
Birth certificates
Ownership certificates (autos, boats, etc.)
Social security cards
Insurance policies
Will
Household inventory:
1. List of contents of household; include serial numbers, if applicable
2. Photographs or videotape of contents of every room
3. Photographs of items of high values, such as jewelry, paintings, collection items

March 6 is only a month away, so make your safety plans now.