The Great Tornado Drill set for January 16th in Pinellas

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Schools, businesses, organizations and individuals encouraged to take shelter and a selfie to participate

  • County to take part in the Great Tornado Drill on Jan. 16
  • Residents encouraged to identify their source of emergency alerts and secure shelter
  • Participants should take cover at 10 a.m. on Jan. 16  and take a selfie
  • Post a photo to social media with hashtag #PCtornadodrill for a chance to win a NOAA weather alert radio

On the morning of Wednesday, Jan. 16, Pinellas County will join the state in the annual Great Tornado Drill. The drill is a light-hearted opportunity to prepare, practice and test emergency plans in case of a sudden tornado. Since a tornado can hit 12 seconds after a warning is issued, it is important to plan ahead, and know where to “duck and cover.”

This is a great drill for schools, businesses, households and any common meeting area. Once the group is in the safe room, participants can take a selfie and post it using the hashtag #PCtornadodrill. The best photo entries will win a NOAA Weather Radio, which issues emergency weather warnings.

Instructions for the drill

Before the drill

  • Prepare
  • Inform staff/students
  • Review and refine a tornado plan http://www.spc.noaa.gov/faq/tornado/safety.html

Jan. 16: The day of the drill

After 8 a.m.

  • Consider a Tornado Watch to be in effect. A watch means conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes and weather should be closely monitored.
  • Announce the “test of the Tornado Watch” to staff and/or students
  • Designate someone to coordinate emergency procedures
  • Evacuate tornado vulnerable areas

At 10 a.m.

  • Consider a Tornado Warning to be in effect. A warning means that a tornado is very possible or one has been spotted.
  • “Receive” the emergency message (You must simulate this yourself. No official test alert will be sent)
  • Coordinator determines this is an immediate threat and gives a “take shelter” or “duck and cover” command (depending on space available at location). Remember to re- iterate that this is only a drill.
  • Take a selfie and post it using the hashtag #PCTornadoDrill.

10:30 a.m.Termination of Watch and Warning

  • Give instructions to return to normal activities (You will not receive notification. Terminate the drill as you see fit.)

After the Drill

  • Wrap-up
  • Following the drill, assess and revise plan as needed.

For more information on tornado safety go to
www.pinellascounty.org/emergency/tornado.htm

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