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Statewide Tornado Drill set for Feb. 4

Pinellas County Emergency Management is encouraging everyone to participate in the Statewide Tornado Drill on Wednesday, Feb. 4, at 10 a.m. Schools, organizations and individuals in Pinellas County are asked to simulate a Tornado Warning, find a safe place to take cover, and take a selfie photo to post on social media using the hashtag #PCTornadoDrill.   
 
A tornado can hit within minutes after a Tornado Warning is issued. The annual Statewide Tornado Drill is an opportunity to plan ahead, identify safe places to take cover in the event of a tornado, and practice emergency communications in classrooms, offices and other locations.

Guidelines for the drill  

Before the drill  

  • Designate an emergency coordinator.  
  • Inform others at home, school or work.  
  • Review and refine a tornado plan. 
  • Find information about planning for a tornado at ready.gov/tornadoes. Watch a video about tornado safety in Pinellas County: https://youtu.be/dJJ90pcIDgA?si=LJZ4kExoSI_SPtWZ 
  • Make sure everyone is signed up for Alert Pinellas to receive emergency notifications:  disaster.pinellas.gov
     

The day of the drill 

Feb. 4 – After 8 a.m. 

Consider a Tornado Watch to be in effect. A watch means tornadoes are possible in your area.   

  • Remain alert for approaching storms and closely monitor the weather.  
  • Listen to your emergency NOAA emergency weather radio.  
  • Make the announcement, “Tornado Watch. THIS IS A DRILL.”  

Feb. 4 – At 10 a.m.  

Consider a Tornado Warning to be in effect. A warning means a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. It is time to take cover! 

  • Receive the TEST emergency message from Alert Pinellas.  
  • Receive the TEST message on your NOAA emergency weather radio.  
  • Go to the tornado safe space and take cover. Find information about staying safe during a tornado in this video:  https://youtu.be/dJJ90pcIDgA?si=LJZ4kExoSI_SPtWZ)  
  • Take a selfie and post it on Facebook or X using the hashtag #PCTornadoDrill  

After the drill   

Wrap–up

  • Discuss, assess and revise your tornado plan as needed.  
     

Severe Weather Awareness Week  

The Statewide Tornado Drill is part of Severe Weather Awareness Week, which runs Monday to Friday, Feb. 2 – 6, with an emphasis on a specific weather event for each day.:  

  • Monday, Feb. 2: Lightning  
  • Tuesday, Feb. 3: Marine hazards and rip currents  
  • Wednesday, Feb. 4: Thunderstorms and tornadoes  
  • Thursday, Feb. 5: Hurricanes and flooding  
  • Friday, Feb. 6: Extreme temperatures and wildfires

The National Weather Service has more information on tornado safety.