MEMPHIS, Tenn. (localmemphis.com) – Statewide, people participated ina tornado drill at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday as part of Severe Weather AwarenessWeek.
In Tennessee, Severe Weather Awareness Week runs fromFebruary 23 to February 29th. Each day, organizations like the National WeatherService provide safety tips for severe weather preparation.
Wednesday, the focus was tornadoes ahead of thestatewide drill.
NationalWeather Service Meteorologist Jim Belles said in the event of any weatherconcern, having multiple forms of notifications ready is essential.
“You need tohave notification. When a severe storm is approaching, you need to know thatit’s coming. Having a weather radio or being attuned, connected with youriPhone or cellphone. Getting notification of a severe storm is coming iscrucial,” Belles said.
Bellessaid the drill also promotes the second step of being prepared and having aplan of attack when severe weather is raging your way.
“Thesecond component is, what do I do? Now that I know that a storm is coming,maybe it’s going to produce some large hail or tornado or damaging winds. Wheredo I go? So, it’s important to know how to shelter from the storm. Have a placeto go or plan in place,” he said.
Floodingis also a primary concern during Severe Weather Awareness Week. Belles’ thirdtip is to avoid walking or driving through water.
“Turn around, don’t drown. Too many times people think they can get through to the other side and it turns out tragically, so we have to be reminded of that over and over again. And there is the unfortunate surprise of how many people go around barriers. Don’t even think about it,” Belles said.