If you were one of the many Hoosiers that heard the tornado sirens yesterday, don’t worry, you weren’t oblivious to any tornadoes. Rather, statewide tornado drills took place yesterday morning and evening, as the National Weather Service, Indiana State Police, Indiana Broadcasters Association, and various emergency management agencies, emergency response agencies, and sheriff’s departments throughout Indiana tested their warning and communication systems as part of Severe Weather Preparedness Week.
The goal of the week is to better educate people about the hazards of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes in an effort to help everyone be better prepared when severe weather occurs. Pulaski County EMA Director Larry Hoover said his county performed a test of their tornado warning call list to ensure everyone is ready in case severe weather strikes. He explained the call list is a list of businesses or organizations where large groups of people are likely to be to ensure they are aware of the impending weather event.
Hoover said this is the time of year when it is best to prepare for inclement weather.
“This is what they consider the kick-off for severe weather for the spring time. It seems like any more it seems like it happens any time of the year, but this is our normal time to get everybody in the mindset for getting ready for severe weather,” said Hoover.
Hoover said two of the most important things a household can do to prepare for violent weather is to make a plan and build an emergency kit. Make sure your family has an emergency contact – ideally someone from outside the state – so they can get back in touch easily in case of separation. A disaster supplies kit is simply a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency. You may need enough food, water and other supplies to last for at least 72 hours, in case local officials and relief workers cannot reach you immediately after a tornado or other severe weather hits.
