RICHMOND – The Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) announced that the Virginia Statewide Tornado Drill originally scheduled for March 5 has been rescheduled to Thursday, March 7 at 9:45 a.m.
VDEM said the change was made to ensure the drill will not impact the primary election scheduled for March 5.
VDEM is strongly encouraging schools, businesses, workplaces, and families across the commonwealth to participate in the statewide tornado drill, which will be broadcast on NOAA Weather Radio and the Emergency Alert System via the Required Monthly Test (RMT).
VDEM emphasized an actual tornado warning will not be issued and notifications will not be sent to cellular phones.
It added that most NOAA Weather Radio receivers (including the Midland WR-100 that many schools have) do not sound an audible alert for the Required Monthly Test, but instead, may have a blinking light on the display to indicate that an RMT was received. As such, it is likely the NOAA Weather Radio will not automatically sound an alarm.
In that situation, VDEM suggests turning the radio on to listen to the broadcast by 9:40 a.m. and starting the tornado drill at 9:45 a.m. when you hear the alert. Those who do not have an NOAA Weather Radio can simply start the drill and enact their safety plan at 9:45 a.m.
There will be no follow-up statements issued by the NWS to mark the end of the statewide tornado drill, VDEM said, it will simply be over when the group, school, business, organization, or family feels they have adequately practiced your tornado shelter procedures.
Those organizations or individuals who have already registered for the drill do not need to change their registration for the new date. The current list will remain active and continue to be used to register for the drill on March 7. Those who have not registered can do so online.
For more information, contact [email protected]
