Tornado Drill Planned

WOODBRIDGE, Va. — Would you know what to do in a tornado? The key is to plan now for what to do in an emergency. Join Prince William County Government in participating in the annual Tornado Preparedness Day Drill in March to practice taking cover from tornadoes.

Last year, 51 tornadoes hit Virginia, the second highest number on record. Ten people died, more than 100 were injured, and 212 homes and 17 businesses were destroyed. Nearly every part of the state was affected, including northern Virginia.

Plan now to participate in the statewide Tornado Drill, set for Tuesday, March 20, at 9:45 a.m. Every home, business, organization, and school can hold a tornado drill. If you can’t participate at that time, then choose another time or date – the most important thing is to have a drill, so you will know what to do when a tornado approaches.

Go immediately to a safe area – usually the lowest level of your home, office or school.

Move to a windowless interior room, closet or hallway.

Take a “drop, cover and hold” position. This means crouch as low as possible to the floor, facing down and covering your head with your hands.

To start the drill on March 20, the National Weather Service will send a test tornado warning at about 9:45 a.m. that will trigger a tone alert and message on NOAA Weather Radios. This will prompt local radio and TV stations to broadcast a test message. For detailed instructions on the drill, visit readyvirginia.gov.

You can sign up for emergency alerts from the Prince William County Community Alert Network at www.pwcgov.org/PWCAN. Another way to be alerted of dangerous weather is through a NOAA Weather Radio with SAME alerts. These radios are available at electronics and sporting goods stores, discount and department stores, and online. They come in battery-powered models in case the power is out, and many also have AM/FM bands so you can hear local radio stations that may be broadcasting emergency information.