MISSOURI, USA — Sirens blared throughout Missouri Wednesday morning, but it wasn't because of severe weather.
Missouri held its annual Statewide Tornado Drill on March 6 at 11 a.m., according to Missouri Storm Aware. The drill was held during the National Weather Service's Severe Weather Preparedness Week.
At 11 a.m., National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather radios alerted listeners that the statewide tornado drill had begun. Warning sirens outside sounded across participating communities, when people are encouraged to take part in the drill by taking shelter and checking their own severe weather plans.
"Schools, businesses and families are all encouraged to participate in the statewide tornado drill," the storm aware website said. "Schools are encouraged to use the tornado drill as an educational tool for students by incorporating tornado facts and meteorological information and safety tips into their lesson plans."
Each day during the week of March 4 is dedicated to a different severe weather event commonly seen in the Midwest, including:
- Monday – Have a Plan/Receive Weather Information Day
- Tuesday – Lightning Safety Day
- Wednesday – Tornado Safety Day, including a statewide tornado drill at 11:00 a.m.
- Thursday – Hail/Wind Safety Day
- Friday – Flood Safety Day
The storm aware website offers numerous safety tips and videos that include safety tips for during and after a tornado strikes. Click here to read more about tornado safety.
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