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SaferSchools Ohio
When the Tornado
Sirens Sound, Will You Know What to Do?
Spring Severe Weather Awareness Week is March 19-25
In a coordinated effort with the Ohio Committee for Severe Weather
Awareness (OCSWA), Governor John R. Kasich is proclaiming March 19-25
as Severe Weather Awareness Week and encourages all Ohioans to learn
what to do to protect themselves from spring and summer weather hazards
and home emergencies.
Schools are encouraged to exercise their school emergency management
plans and drill during the Annual Statewide Tornado Drill, scheduled
for Wednesday, March 22nd at 9:50 a.m. Schools that participate
in the statewide drill in March may be able to apply that date as their
required April tornado drill. Check with your local fire
official. Also, if your school documents the tornado drill to the
reporting standards of the emergency management test, the drill can
count as your functional emergency management test for 2017.
What can schools do during Severe Weather Awareness Week?
• Review your school safety plan to prepare for high-risk days such as
severe thunderstorms and tornado watches and warnings.
• Ensure students and faculty know the difference between a tornado
watch and a tornado warning. A tornado watch means conditions are
favorable for the development of tornadoes. A tornado warning is issued
when a tornado is imminent or occurring, seek shelter immediately.
• Know where your designated tornado shelters are located. The
most interior areas on the ground floor, away from windows and glass
are best for use as protective areas – such as hallways. Large, open
rooms such as cafeterias, gymnasiums and auditoriums should never be
used as protective areas. Modular and portable classrooms are also
considered unsafe during tornadoes and thunderstorms.
• Have class discussions on severe weather safety and emergency
preparedness. Visit OCSWA’s www.weathersafety.ohio.gov (link is
external) or www.ready.ohio.gov (link is external) to learn what
actions Ohioans can take before, during and after inclement weather and
other emergencies that typically impact the state.
• Encourage students in 1st – 6th grade to participate in the Severe
Weather Awareness Poster Contest! Click Here
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