Practice makes perfect: statewide tornado drill February 1

If a tornado were to strike tomorrow, would you be prepared? Would you know what actions to take? A very important part of Florida Severe Weather Awareness Week is the statewide tornado drill on Wednesday, February 1, 2012.  Planning and practice are keys to tornado safety. Whether at home, school, or work, everyone should have a plan in place for severe weather.

On the morning of the drill, all participants should consider themselves under a Tornado Watch. A Watch means you should monitor the weather and be prepared to go to a safe place in the event of a Warning. At approximately 10:10 a.m. EST, the National Weather Service will issue a practice Tornado Warning. The Warning will be broadcast on NOAA Alert Radio as a weekly test message. By 10:30 a.m., an “all-clear” message will be issued.

Public and commercial broadcasters are encouraged to participate by broadcasting these messages immediately. For the Florida Panhandle counties within the Central time zone, all drill activities will be repeated one hour earlier (9:10 a.m. CST).

In real life, you must listen for the Watch and Warning messages to determine the threat to your area, and decided which protective actions to take. When in doubt, take immediate protective action! Plans may vary depending on the number of adults present, how vulnerable your location is, communications or other factors. All Floridians should use the tornado drill to develop and practice their severe weather plans. Being prepared saves lives!

If actual severe weather threatens Florida on February 1, the drill will be postponed until Friday, February 3.

2012 Statewide Tornado Drill TIMELINE

The Statewide Tornado Drill is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, February 1st at 10:10 AM EST / 9:10 AM CST.  If severe weather is threatening any portion of Florida on February 1st, then this drill will be rescheduled to Friday, February 3rd at 10:10 AM EST / 9:10 AM CST.