Ohio plans statewide tornado drill March 22

The Franklin County Emergency Management and Homeland Security, FCEM&HS has urged the community to participate in a Statewide Tornado Drill at 9:50 a.m. on Wednesday, March 22, 2017 when the Franklin County Outdoor Warning Siren System will be activated. 

A statement by spokesperson for the FCEM&HS Kelly McGuire, said that “the sirens will be activated one time for three minutes – a longer tone than in the regular Wednesday noon tests. The test tone will be the same “tornado warning” tone which would be used in an actual tornado warning.”

The 9:50 a.m. March 22nd siren activation will be in place of the regular weekly Wednesday noon test of the Franklin County Outdoor Warning Siren System.

“The annual Statewide Tornado Drill is the perfect opportunity for schools, businesses and families to discuss and practice their emergency plan,” said Jeffrey J. Young, Director, Franklin County Emergency Management & Homeland Security. 

“Regardless of where you are, it’s important to know what to do and where to go when severe weather strikes,” he said.

The drill is part of Ohio’s Spring Severe Weather Awareness Week, March 19th-25th, to remind the public that with spring comes the possibility of tornadoes, thunderstorms, floods, hail, lighting strikes, and power outages.