Severe Weather Week tornado drill Wednesday

Fairfield will be participating in the annual tornado drill, in conjunction with the National Weather Service, at 10 a.m. April 6.

Jefferson County Emergency Management Coordinator Jerry Calnon said Fairfield plans to test its outdoor sirens and will participate in a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration radio test alert as would be done as if an actual tornado event was occurring.

Calnon pointed out severe tornado-producing thunderstorms are one of Iowa?s most common hazards, so it is important for people to be prepared.

?Do you know what to do when severe weather affects your workplace?? he asked. ?How do you know when it is time to seek shelter and where to go? Who gives you the all clear to return to your work area? This is a great opportunity for employees to review their workplace weather procedures.?

Calnon said any school, business, office or resident can participate in the statewide drill by listing to NOAA radio announcements.

A ?watch? announcement will be made, followed by a ?warning? announcement.

A ?watch? announcement issued by the National Weather Service indicates a particular hazard is possible ? that conditions are more favorable than usual for its occurrence. A watch is a recommendation for planning, preparation and increased awareness to be alert for changing weather. When a watch is issued, residents should listen for further information, and think about what to do if the danger materializes.

A ?warning? announcement issued by the National Weather Service local offices indicates a particular weather hazard is either imminent or has been reported. A warning indicates the need to take action to protect life and property. The type of hazard is reflected in the type of warning, such as tornado warning, blizzard warning or other warning.

?When you hear the siren, seek shelter in a protected area, a basement or an inside room that?s sturdy and away from windows,? said Calnon. ?Plan ahead. When the sirens go off is a poor time to start planning.?

In addition to knowing where to take shelter during a tornado warning, people should have an emergency kit, said Calnon.

The kit could be a suitcase or duffle bag ? ?something you can grab and run with? ? packed with a set or two of clothing, a blanket, nonperishable food, pet food, personal care items, bottled water, a battery operated radio, a flashlight and whatever items a person may need for the first two or three days after a disaster until assistance arrives and other arrangements can be made.

?It takes time for them to get people, equipment, travel and set up,? said Calnon.

Calnon reminded county residents that no all-clear siren is sounded.

?It?s better for people to analyze their own situation, peek out, listen to the radio ...?

?It is worth noting that the siren system in most counties around the nation no longer have an ?all-clear? signal due to public confusion in times when that issue could be critical,? said Calnon. ?We have the alert function only. The NOAA system does have a verbal all clear announcement.?

When people do leave their shelters after a storm or tornado, Calnon said they should be cautious of downed wires, damaged tree limbs or structures that could fall.

Calnon said residents should call 911 during or after a storm or tornado if there is a definite need for emergency services, but if the call isn?t urgent, wait to call after the disaster has cooled down.

?Use common sense,? he said. ?The dispatcher will be busy answering emergency calls, dispatching emergency responders and talking with weather spotters.?

If there is any severe weather in the area April 6, the test will not be held. It will be rescheduled to 10 a.m. April 7, and then canceled if bad weather continues.