Statewide tornado dr scheduled

Tornado Preparedness Day has been scheduled for March 17, 2009 by Gov. Tim Kaine with a statewide tornado drill to occur at 9:45 a.m.

On March 17, each National Weather Service office will issue test tornado warnings and a short Emergency Alert System activation message sent via weather radio. While there is a requirement in Virginia for the K-12 public schools to conduct tornado drills, VCU will not formally conduct a tornado drill. VCU plans to activate the campus siren systems and to use alerting technologies if a tornado is expected to impact its campuses.

Thirty-nine tornadoes ? the second largest number recorded in one year ? hit Virginia in 2008, injuring more than 220 people and causing $45 million in property damage.

Historically, tornados have occurred in every month of the year in Virginia. The frequency of tornadoes in Virginia is unpredictable. For example, there were just 2 in 2007, and 39 in 2008. Advance planning and quick responses are the keys to surviving a tornado.

According to the Virginia Department of Emergency Web site, the purpose of the tornado drill is to “provide Virginia schools, businesses and residents with an opportunity to test their tornado emergency plans.”

The Code of Virginia ( 22.1-137.1) requires all public schools to participate in at least one tornado drill each year.

The Virginia Department of Education’s Web site offered support for Tornado Preparedness Day by encouraging schools to participate in the drill and to educate staff and students about tornadoes.

More information about Tornado Preparedness Day can be found on the Virginia Department of Emergency Web site at www.vaemergency.com/threats/tornado/torn_drill.cfm

TORNADO SAFETY

A tornado watch means that conditions are favorable for a tornado and that tornadoes are possible. If you are under a tornado warning, seek shelter immediately!
What to do during a tornado:

 If you are in a structure (e.g. residence, school, hospital, shopping center, high-rise building) go to a pre-designated shelter area such as a safe room, basement, storm cellar, or the lowest building level. If there is no basement, go to the center of an interior room on the lowest level (closet, interior hallway) away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Get under a sturdy table and use your arms to protect your head and neck. Do not open windows.

 If you are in a vehicle, trailer, or mobile home get out immediately and go to the lowest floor of a sturdy, nearby building or a storm shelter. Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes.

 If you are outside with no shelter lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands. Be aware of the potential for flooding. Do not get under an overpass or bridge, you are safer in a low, flat location. Never try to outrun a tornado in urban or congested areas in a car or truck. Instead, leave the vehicle immediately for safe shelter. Watch out for flying debris. Flying debris from tornadoes causes most fatalities and injuries.

Information provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.