Pinellas County Government: Great Tornado Drill Set For Feb. 9

Clearwater FL

08 February, 2022

12:47 PM

Description

Press release from the Pinellas County Government: Pinellas County Government is inviting residents to participate in the statewide Great Tornado Drill on Wednesday, Feb. 9, at 10 a.m. Residents are asked to simulate a Tornado Warning, take cover in a safe place and take a selfie photo to post on social media, using the hashtag #PCTornadoDrill. Pinellas County will select three winning social media photos from the public. The winning individuals or organizations will receive an emergency weather radio. Photos will be judged based on proper "duck and cover" techniques. A tornado can hit within minutes after a Tornado Warning is issued. The annual Great Tornado Drill is an opportunity to plan ahead, identify safe spaces to take cover in the event of a tornado, and practice emergency communications methods in classrooms, offices and other daytime gatherings. Residents can find guidance on how to stay safe during a tornado at www.ready.gov/tornadoes. Guidelines for the drill Before the drill: • Inform others at home, school or work • Review and refine a tornado plan (Find information about planning for a tornado at www.ready.gov/tornadoes) The day of the drill: Feb. 9 - After 8 a.m. Consider a Tornado Watch to be in effect. A watch means tornadoes are possible in your area. Remain alert for approaching storms and closely monitor the weather. · Designate an emergency coordinator · Make the announcement, "Tornado Watch. THIS IS A DRILL." Feb. 9 - At 10 a.m.: Consider a Tornado Warning to be in effect. A warning means a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar — time to take cover! · "Receive" the emergency message (You must simulate this yourself or sign up for Alert Pinellas at www.pinellascounty.org/alertpinellas to receive a TEST alert.) · Go to the tornado safe space and take cover. (Find information about staying safe during a tornado at www.ready.gov/tornadoes) · Take a selfie and post it on Facebook or Twitter, using the hashtag #PCTornadoDrill After the drill: Wrap-up · Following the drill, discuss, assess and revise your tornado plan as needed. Severe Weather Awareness Week The Great Tornado Drill is a part of Severe Weather Awareness Week, which runs Monday to Friday, Feb. 7 – 11, with an emphasis on a specific weather event for each day: · Monday, Feb. 7: Lightning · Tuesday, Feb. 8: Marine hazards and rip currents · Wednesday, Feb. 9: Thunderstorms and tornadoes · Thursday, Feb. 10: Hurricanes and flooding · Friday: Temperature extremes and wildfires This press release was produced by the Pinellas County Government. The views expressed here are the author's own.