RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) - The Virginia statewide tornado drill ran today, March 12, at 9:45 a.m. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) sounded on TV and radio.
Governor Bob McDonnell officially proclaimed today to be Tornado Preparedness Day in Virginia. All National Weather Service offices serving the Commonwealth issued test drill messages in the same style as you would see in the event of a real tornado warning. If you have a cell phone weather app, you should have also received a test warning from it.
Schools, businesses and you are encouraged to know and practice your safety plans today during the drill.
WATCH the drill happen during Virginia This Morning:
Download the free American Red Cross tornado app HERE.
Download our free CBS 6 iPhone Weather App HERE. iPad version HERE.
SAFETY:
Move to the lowest level of your structure, into the most interior room.
Avoid glass.
Get low and cover your head.
Wear a helmet.
Cover yourself with blankets, pillows, mattresses, etc.
Have a first aid kit in your safe room.
Keep your cell phone and charger with you.
Have a three-day supply of food and water in your safe room (energy bars and water bottles).
Keep a week's supply of any medication in a plastic bag in your safe room.
If you are in your vehicle, abandon it for a structure or duck down in a low spot away from the vehicle.
Never seek shelter under a bridge or overpass!
Virginia on average (1981-2010 data) has 14 tornadoes per year.
CLICK HERE for more information about the Virginia tornado drill.
CLICK HERE to learn more about tornadoes.
CLICK HERE to learn about the Enhanced Fujita Scale for tornadoes.
CLICK HERE for tornado statistics and history across the country.
Stay with CBS 6, we'll keep you ahead of the storm.
Meteorologist Carrie Rose
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