Severe Weather Week Tornado Drill April 4, 2012
Severe Weather Season Is Nearly Here Once Again
Iowa – Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes are one of Iowa’s most common hazards. That is why it is important to prepare for these types of emergencies. Do you know what to do when severe weather affects your workplace? How do you know when it is time to seek shelter and where to go? Who gives you the all clear to return to your work area?
These are the types of questions and procedures we will check with the Annual Tornado Drill scheduled for Wednesday, April 4, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. This drill is held in conjunction with the National Weather Service. This is a great opportunity for people, whether they work on the Capitol Complex or not, to review their workplace weather procedures. This drill is statewide and all persons in Iowa are encouraged to participate in this drill.
The drill will proceed as follows:
10:00 am: Tornado Watch (drill) given over NOAA Weather Radio. PA Announcement made to the entire Capitol Complex. NO SHELTERING REQUIRED.
10:15 am: Tornado Warning (drill) given over NOAA Weather Radio. PA Announcement made to the entire Capitol Complex. EVERYONE WILL PROCEED TO DESIGNATED SHELTERS IMMEDIATELY.
10:30 am: All Clear (drill) given over NOAA Weather Radio. PA Announcement made to the entire Capitol Complex. EVERYONE RETURN TO WORK STATIONS.
***IF THERE IS ACTUAL SEVERE WEATHER APRIL 4, 2012, THE DRILL WILL BE POSTPONED TO APRIL 5, 2012 AT 10 AM.***
Watch: A National Weather Service product indicating that a particular hazard is possible, i.e., that conditions are more favorable than usual for its occurrence. A watch is a recommendation for planning, preparation, and increased awareness (i.e., to be alert for changing weather, listen for further information, and think about what to do if the danger materializes).*
Warning: A product issued by National Weather Service local offices indicating that a particular weather hazard is either imminent or has been reported. A warning indicates the need to take action to protect life and property. The type of hazard is reflected in the type of warning (i.e., tornado warning, blizzard warning, etc.).*
*Definitions taken from the National Weather Service Website: http://www.weather.gov/
Each office in state government has a designated shelter location. Please make sure you know where your office’s shelter location is located prior to this drill.
Evacuation Chairs Available
Every building on the Capitol Complex now has Evacuation Chairs available for use. These are generally stored folded up near stairs and common areas. Please take the time to locate the Evacuation Chair nearest your office. These chairs can be used during this drill. The Evacuation Chairs are to be used during actual emergency events when a person needs aid in moving to a shelter location or to evacuate from a building.
Closing Thoughts
If you are not sure about the procedures you should follow in times of weather Watches and Warnings, talk to your supervisor or contact Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division at (515) 725-3295.
Please do not take this drill for granted. Use the thirty minutes of this exercise to make sure you know where to go, and the steps to take, when severe weather strikes.
