Indianapolis – As part of Severe Weather Preparedness Week March 19-25, 2017, the IMPD Homeland Security Bureau Emergency Management Agency, in cooperation with the National Weather Service (NWS) and other partners has selected Tuesday, March 21, 2017 as the date for two Statewide Tornado Drills. During the drills, the NWS will send a Tone Alerted warning message over the NOAA Weather Radios. The Marion County Emergency Management Agency will also be setting off the outdoor warning sirens. Should actual severe weather be a threat on Tuesday, March 21, the test will occur on March 23, 2017 if weather conditions warrant.
There will be two drills initiated this year by the NWS on March 21, 2017. The purpose of these tests is to allow each county to test the warning sirens in a simulated emergency situation and to provide the opportunity for businesses and schools to test their procedures for severe weather incidents. The first test will be initiated at 10:15 am, and the second test will be initiated at 7:35 pm. The earlier test is primarily for the benefit of school participation and the majority of the workforce who are at their place of employment at that time. The later test will allow families the opportunity to practice their own personal safety measures within their home.
Remember that outdoor warning sirens are for outdoor warning only. With 97% of our community covered, you may not hear the siren inside your home or business. It may not wake you up during the night so therefore we are encouraging citizens to prepare themselves for severe weather by building a kit that includes a NOAA Weather Radio, making a plan for them and their family, and staying informed through the NWS and our local media partners.
EMA Administrator Dennis Peters adds “Severe Weather Preparedness Week is designed to refresh, remind and educate everyone about the threats from severe weather and how to avoid them. It’s important to practice seeking secure, safe shelter from severe weather and we encourage you to talk to your family about what to do in an emergency.”
According the NWS Indiana averages 20-21 tornadoes a year. Indiana had 35 tornadoes in 2016 alone. Tornadoes do occur year round but are most likely from April to June.
The Mayoral Proclamation issued by Mayor Joe Hogsett declaring the week of March 19th as Severe Weather Preparedness Week will be on display for the public.
