City of Richmond Encourages Area to Participate in Statewide Tornado Drill

On Tuesday, March 12, 2013, the Virginia Department of Emergency Management and the National Weather Service will conduct their annual tornado drill, set for 9:45 a.m. The City of Richmond encourages businesses, organizations, schools and colleges, and families and individuals to practice taking cover from tornadoes by participating in this safety exercise.

To start the drill, a test tornado warning will be sent by the NWS to NOAA Weather Radios. These radios will sound a tone alert and message, or flash to indicate a message, simulating what people will hear or see during an actual tornado warning. The test message then will be broadcast by many local radio and TV stations.

Registration is not required, but residents are encouraged to sign up to show their support. Learn more about tornado safety, how to hold a drill, and to register, please click here.