REMINDER: Statewide tornado drill scheduled for Wednesday

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – Don’t worry, it’s just a drill! The Annual Kentucky Statewide Tornado Drill will be conducted Wednesday, March 6 at 10:07 AM EST. Kentucky Emergency Management  plans one of these drills every year as apart of Severe Weather Awareness Week. Some counties, including Fayette County, have elected to test the outdoor tornado warning sirens. The Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) on your phone will NOT be set off as apart of this test. However, the drill will activate the Emergency Alert System (EAS). This includes NOAA Weather Radio, local television and radio stations, and cable override.

This is a great opportunity to put your severe weather plan to the test. 

When a Tornado Warning is issued there are four main places you may find yourself. Those places include your home, your workplace/school, outside, or a vehicle are all places.

• If you are in your home, the best place you can be is the most interior part of your basement. If you don’t have a basement, the most interior room within your home away from any exterior doors or windows is the next best spot. It is important to designate this spot ahead of time. Keep blankets, a spare mattress, and any old bike/baseball helmets in this spot. Use these items for added protection incase your home is hit by the tornado.

• If you are at your workplace or school, be sure to follow the tornado procedures provided to you ahead of time. Remember to stay ahead from any windows. In buildings like this it is important to stay away from large rooms such as cafeterias or gymnasiums.
• If you find yourself outside and see the tornado approaching, find the nearest sturdy building.
• If you are in a vehicle, leave the vehicle and find the nearest study shelter. If you are not near a study shelter, find the nearest ditch or ravine.

The ABC 36 Storm Team will keep you prepared when a Tornado Warning is issued in you area.