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Release date: 2018-03-15
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[Archived] Be Prepared: Participate in the 2018 Statewide Tornado Drill

For Immediate Release: March 15, 2018

The City of Alexandria invites the public to participate in the annual Statewide Tornado Drill, scheduled for 9:45 a.m. on Tuesday, March 20. At that time, the National Weather Service will send a test tornado warning to National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radios – which will sound a tone alert and show a test message or flash to indicate a message, simulating what people would hear or see during an actual tornado warning. Local radio stations, TV stations and cable outlets will also broadcast the test message via the Emergency Alert System.

The City will also send an Alexandria eNews alert notification for a test tornado warning. This message will prompt recipients to take the necessary actions needed during an actual tornado. If widespread severe weather threatens Virginia on March 20, the drill will be rescheduled for Wednesday, March 21, at 9:45 a.m.

Sponsored by the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, the Statewide Tornado Drill is a yearly opportunity to prepare Virginians for tornado emergencies and to test public warning systems.

Residents and businesses are encouraged to be ready for tornadoes and other spring storms by registering to participate in the drill, going over their emergency preparedness plans and reviewing the following tornado preparedness information.

Tornado Preparedness Information and Tips

Know the difference between a Tornado Watch and a Tornado Warning:

If a Tornado Warning is announced, take the following actions.

If you are in a building

If you are outdoors or in a car

For additional information about the Statewide Tornado Drill and to register, visit the Virginia Department of Emergency Management. For more information about emergency preparedness, visit alexandriava.gov/Emergency. For information about tornadoes, visit alexandriava.gov/Tornado.

To receive emergency notifications by text or email, subscribe to the City's free Alexandria eNews service at alexandriava.gov/eNews.

For media inquiries, contact Andrea Blackford, Senior Communications Officer, at andrea.blackford@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.3959.



This news release is available at alexandriava.gov/102824.

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