March 12 is Tornado Preparedness Day in Virginia, the day when businesses and organizations, schools and colleges, and families and individuals are encouraged to practice taking cover from tornadoes during the Statewide Tornado Drill, set for 9:45 a.m. At that time, the National Weather Service will send a test tornado warning that will trigger a tone alert and broadcast message on NOAA Weather Radio. The message will be picked up by TV and radio broadcasters, simulating what listeners will hear during an actual tornado warning.
When the test tornado warning is
sounded, people should move as quickly as possible to a safe area in a sturdy
building. Safe areas are basements, interior rooms, bathrooms, closets or
hallways on the lowest level of a building. Once in the safe area, crouch
down or sit on the floor, facing down, and cover heads with
hands.
