Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes are one of Iowa’s most common hazards. It’s important to prepare for these types of emergencies.
Do you know what to do when severe weather affects your workplace? How do you know when it’s time to seek shelter and where to go? Who gives you the all clear to return to your work area?
These are the questions and procedures we will check with the Annual Tornado Drill scheduled for Wednesday, March 25 at 10 a.m. This drill is held annually in conjunction with the National Weather Service as part of Severe Weather Week.
It is a great opportunity to review workplace weather procedures. The drill is statewide and everyone in Iowa is encouraged to participate.
The drill will proceed at 10:00 am with the Tornado Watch drill, at 10:15 a.m. with the Tornado Warning drill, and at 10:30 a.m. for the All-Clear. If there is actual severe weather on Wednesday, the drill will be postponed to Thursday, March 26, at 10 a.m.
Humboldt County Emergency Management Director Kyle Bissell says to not take this drill for granted and use the thirty minutes of this exercise to make sure you know where to go, and the steps to take, when severe weather strikes.
The differences between a tornado watch and tornado warning:
Watch: A National Weather Service product indicating that a particular hazard is possible, i.e., that conditions are more favorable than usual for its occurrence. A watch is a recommendation for planning, preparation, and increased awareness (i.e., to be alert for changing weather, listen for further information, and think about what to do if the danger materializes).*
Warning: A product issued by National Weather Service local offices indicating that a particular weather hazard is either imminent or has been reported. A warning indicates the need to take action to protect life and property. The type of hazard is reflected in the type of warning (i.e., tornado warning, blizzard warning, etc.).