Ohio to test tornado drill with sounding sirens

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Tornado sirens across the state will be activated next week as part of a yearly drill.

The drill coincides with Severe Weather Awareness Week (March 16-22). The awareness week is scheduled for the third week of March each year. 

Local communities can participate in a statewide tornado drill on Wednesday, March 19 at 9:50 a.m. to test their emergency and sheltering plans. This is an opportunity for Ohio counties to sound and test their outdoor warning sirens and mass notification systems.

The sirens in Franklin County typically last about three minutes.

Businesses, schools and households are also encouraged to practice their tornado drills and emergency plans. 

To prepare for severe weather, it’s important to build a kit and make a plan. You can read more information about that here.

The drill coincides with a 10TV Weather Impact Alert Day issued for the central Ohio region due to potentially severe thunderstorms expected over the upcoming weekend.

Get a more in-depth look at the forecast on The 10 WEATHER IMPACT Show — debuts weekdays at 2PM on 10TV+

Download 10TV+ on your TV to watch for free and stay informed about events in your community. Access a 24/7 live stream and on-demand content from 10TV on Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV.

Difference between Storm Watches and Warnings

A Tornado WATCH means conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes in and near areas designated by the National Weather Service. Be ready to move to a place of safety if the watch is upgraded to a warning or if threatening weather approaches.

A Tornado WARNING means a tornado is imminent or has been sighted. Warnings indicate impending danger to life and property. Seek safe shelter immediately.

There are several ways to prepare for severe weather events. For starters, children are taught in school to DUCK:

• D – go down to the lowest level, stay away from windows.
• U – go under something such as a basement staircase or a heavy table or desk.
• C – cover your head.
• K – keep in shelter until the storm has passed.

Then there are ways to protect your home that can be done in minutes and at minimal or no cost to you. (Source: Disastersafety.org)

• Close your garage door and all interior doors to give your roof a fighting chance in high winds.
• Make sure to tidy up outdoors and organize your garage. Items on the lawn or patio could become flying debris and damage your home
• Locate and prepare a safe space: an interior room with no windows on the lowest floor of your home, such as a basement or closet
• Set up multiple ways to get weather alerts