Statewide Tornado Drill to Commence Severe Weather Awareness Week

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 24, 2017) — Severe weather remains the biggest, and most common, threat Kentuckians face on a daily basis. Tornados are most common in the spring but can occur at any time of day or night and at any time of the year. Although tornados are most common in the Central Plains and southeastern United States, they have been reported in all 50 states. On average, Fayette County receives a tornado every 13 years. 

As Severe Weather Awareness Week is recognized the first week of March, the University of Kentucky Police Department's division of Crisis Management and Preparedness wants members of the UK campus community to be knowledgeable and prepared in the event of severe weather.

While it is impossible to prevent the occurrence of a tornado, preparedness can start at any time by reviewing and discussing emergency plans at home with your family and at work. If you know what to do before, during, and after a tornado you can increase your chances of survival.  

A severe thunderstorm or tornado WATCH means severe weather is possibly approaching. Remain alert for approaching storms and be prepared to seek shelter if necessary. Thunderstorm and tornado WARNINGS indicate threatening conditions are imminent or have been indicated by Doppler radar or reported by storm spotters.  

If a tornado warning is issued:

• Move to a pre-designated Storm Shelter Area immediately.
• If a Storm Shelter Area is unavailable:
  • Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside.
  • Get under a sturdy table and use arms to protect head and neck.
  • Wear a helmet if possible.
  • Stay away from windows and open spaces until danger has passed.
  • In high-rise buildings, go to a small, interior room or hallway with no windows, on the lowest floor possible. 

Should a tornado warning be issued in Fayette County, UK Alert will be initiated, activating several emergency notification mechanisms throughout campus. Ensure your UK Alert account is updated today. To add, edit or delete devices and delivery options, please login to your UK Alert Account. Recommendations for tornado sheltering can be found within the UK Emergency Response Guide or within UK’s LiveSafe app on your smart phone under “UK Resources” and “Emergency Procedures.”

Weather radios are another source of notification. Outdoor sirens are not designed to warn indoor inhabitants, and tornadoes can also strike during the night when you are asleep or don't have a television or radio turned on when a severe weather warning is issued; NOAA Weather Radios are always on and automatically transmit National Weather Service (NWS) severe weather watches and warnings 24 hours a day. This is the most effective way to monitor severe weather watches and warnings at any time of day or night. 

To kickoff Severe Weather Awareness Week this upcoming March 1-7, UK will participate in the 2017 Statewide Tornado Safety Drill Tuesday, Feb. 28, at approximately 10:07 a.m. EST. The National Weather Service will issue a tornado warning test message, and outdoor warning sirens may sound across Kentucky communities, including activation of UK Alert. Weather alert radios will also activate, and television and radio stations and mobile devices will broadcast the alert. This drill will give the UK community the opportunity to practice tornado safety measures.