[Archived] City of Alexandria Encourages Tornado Preparation

City Press Release


	City of Alexandria, Virginia Office of the City Manager Alexandria City Hall 301 King Street, Suite 3500 Alexandria, Virginia 22314-3211 www.alexandriava.gov Telephone: 703.838.4300 Fax : 703.838.6343

For Immediate Release
March 11, 2005
PIO 069-05/rdo

City of Alexandria Encourages Tornado Preparation

The City of Alexandria’s Emergency Management staff encourages the public and employees to take steps to be prepared in the event of a tornado. The preparation is in response to Virginia Governor Mark Warner declaring March 15 as Tornado Preparedness Day. In recognition of the day, a statewide tornado drill will be held at 9:45 am. Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS), City employees, businesses and residents will test local tornado emergency operation plans.

During the drill, ACPS students and school staff will follow survival instructions such as moving to safe areas inside school buildings, crouching down on floors and covering heads. City employees will follow similar safety guidelines.

The Virginia Department of Emergency Management offers several tips on preparing for a tornado. Environmental clues that may indicate an approaching tornado include a dark, often greenish sky; and large hail and a loud roar similar to a freight train. The general rule for tornado safety is "go low and stay low," which means to go to the lowest level of the structure away from windows and crouch in a low position with the head covered. The basement is the best shelter from a tornado. If a basement is not available, the next safest place is an interior room without windows on the lowest level of the structure, such as a closet, bathroom or interior hall.

Everyone is also encouraged to know the difference between a tornado WATCH and a tornado WARNING. A WATCH means current weather conditions may result in a tornado. A tornado WARNING means a tornado has been sighted. When a tornado WARNING is issued, everyone should take cover immediately.

For more information on tornado safety, visit the Virginia Department of Emergency Management’s web site at www.vdem.state.va.us/04torn/.

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