Press Release

Subject: Statewide Tornado Drill
Date: 2010-02-16
Author: Helen Means
Public Information Officer
Reference Number: 10-002

Missouri Statewide Tornado Drill Set for March 9, 2010

Platte County Sheriff Dick Anderson would like to remind the citizens of Platte County of the Missouri Statewide Tornado Drill that will be conducted Tuesday, March 9th at 1:30 p.m. Local warning sirens, NOAA All-Hazards Weather Radio, and the Emergency Alert System (EAS) will be activated upon receipt of this warning, to signal the start of the drill. Every citizen, business and school is encouraged to participate in the drill by practicing seeking secure, safe shelter from a tornado.

In case of inclement weather, the drill will be postponed to the same time on Thursday, March 11th at 1:30 p.m.

The month of March often proves to be the beginning of the spring and summer severe weather season in Platte County. The threat of tornado activity is often present during this storm season.

Sheriff Anderson also advised that the citizens should be aware of these tornado weather terms and safety tips:

• A Tornado Watch is issued by the National Weather Service when weather conditions are favorable for the development of a tornado. You should stay alert for additional changes in weather conditions when a Tornado Watch is issued.

• A Tornado Warning is issued when a tornado has been sighted in your area.
You should seek immediate shelter when a Tornado Warning is issued.

Indoors:
• Have a pre-designated safety spot.
• Go to the lowest level possible in a structure.
• Put as many walls between you and the outside as you can
• Avoid windows and glass.
• In a basement stay under the center support beam, a stairwell, or heavy piece of furniture for protection from falling debris. Stay out of corners; debris often collects in corners.
• If you have no area below ground level, use a hallway closing doors off to outside rooms. A small interior room (bathroom or closet) away from outside walls and windows would be preferable to large rooms or rooms with outside walls.

Outside or in homes of modular construction:
• Get to a safe shelter if possible. Do not try to outrun a tornado in your car. If caught in the open, leave a vehicle and go to a low lying area such as a ditch or ravine. Lie flat and cover your head.
• Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes and should be abandoned.

Sheriff Anderson encourages you to think about what your family should do when faced with severe weather conditions such as tornado, flash floods, large hail, and damaging winds. Consider developing a family severe weather plan to handle such emergencies. You could use the March 11th Tornado Drill to practice your family emergency plan.

For more information about severe weather or weather radios please contact Platte County Emergency Services Unit at 816-858-1966.