PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. – Get ready to find your safe spot next Wednesday. Pinellas County Emergency Management is asking everyone—from schools to businesses to families at home—to participate in the Statewide Tornado Drill on Feb. 4. While the main goal is safety, officials are adding a modern twist to this year’s practice run: they want to see your selfies.
The drill is scheduled for 10 a.m., but the exercise actually begins a bit earlier. Starting after 8 a.m., residents should pretend a “Tornado Watch” is in effect. This is the time to stay alert and keep an eye on the weather, just like you would during a real storm. Then, at 10 a.m., the “Tornado Warning” simulation kicks in. This is the signal that a tornado has been spotted and it is time to take immediate action.
During the 10 a.m. drill, Alert Pinellas will send out a test message, and NOAA weather radios will sound off. That is your cue to go to your designated safe space.
READ: Explosive ‘Bomb Cyclone’ Threatens Record Snow And Deep Freeze For East Coast
Once you are settled in your safe spot, officials encourage you to snap a picture and post it to social media with the hashtag #PCTornadoDrill. It is a simple way to show that you know where to go when seconds count.
Tornadoes can strike just minutes after a warning goes out, which doesn’t leave much time to think. That is why practicing is so important. This drill is a chance for everyone to see if their current plan works or if they need to pick a better hiding spot. If you need help figuring out a plan, you can watch a safety video provided by the county here:
WATCH:
This event is the highlight of Severe Weather Awareness Week, which runs from Feb. 2 through Feb. 6. Each day of the week focuses on a different danger, starting with lightning on Monday and ending with wildfires on Friday. But Wednesday is all about thunderstorms and tornadoes.
Before the drill starts next week, make sure you are signed up for emergency notifications at disaster.pinellas.gov. Take a few minutes to talk to your family or coworkers about where to meet, and be ready to duck, cover, and take that selfie next Wednesday morning.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox
