PINELLAS COUNTY, FL. – Pinellas County Government is inviting residents to participate in the statewide Great Tornado Drill today, Feb. 9, at 10 a.m.
Residents are asked to simulate a Tornado Warning, take cover in a safe place, and take a selfie photo to post on social media, using the hashtag #PCTornadoDrill.
Pinellas County will select three winning social media photos from the public.
The winning individuals or organizations will receive an emergency weather radio. Photos will be judged based on proper “duck and cover” techniques.
A tornado can hit within minutes after a Tornado Warning is issued. The annual Great Tornado Drill is an opportunity to plan ahead, identify safe spaces to take cover in the event of a tornado, and practice emergency communications methods in classrooms, offices, and other daytime gatherings.
Residents can find guidance on how to stay safe during a tornado at www.ready.gov/tornadoes.
Guidelines for the drill
Before the drill:
- Inform others at home, school or work
- Review and refine a tornado plan (Find information about planning for a tornado at www.ready.gov/tornadoes)
Feb. 9 – At 10 a.m: Consider a Tornado Warning to be in effect. A warning means a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar — time to take cover!
- “Receive” the emergency message (You must simulate this yourself or sign up for Alert Pinellas at www.pinellascounty.org/alertpinellas to receive a TEST alert.)
- Go to the tornado safe space and take cover.
- Take a selfie and post it on Facebook or Twitter, using the hashtag #PCTornadoDrill
After the drill:
Wrap-up– Following the drill, discuss, assess and revise your tornado plan as needed.
The Great Tornado Drill is a part of Severe Weather Awareness Week, which runs Monday to Friday, Feb. 7 – 11, with an emphasis on a specific weather event for each day:
- Monday, Feb. 7: Lightning
- Tuesday, Feb. 8: Marine hazards and rip currents
- Wednesday, Feb. 9: Thunderstorms and tornadoes
- Thursday, Feb. 10: Hurricanes and flooding
- Friday: Temperature extremes and wildfires
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