Tornado and Severe Weather Drill Planned for Tuesday in Hazelwood

As we are shy a few days of the one year anniversary of the "" that ripped through North St. Louis County, residents in the are encouraged to participate in the Missouri Severe Weather Drill on Tuesday at about 1:30 p.m.

The National Weather Service (NWS) is coordinating the event. The 15-minute drill is meant to draw attention to severe-weather safety rules and the need for severe weather plans, a news release states.

How to Prepare for Severe Weather

Missouri's State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has launched new videos demonstrating tornado sheltering in schools, houses and mobile homes in preparation for severe weather season and the March 13 Statewide Tornado Drill.

"Severe weather can strike at any time, making it crucial for Missourians to be aware of their sheltering options in various locations," said State Emergency Management Agency Director Paul D. Parmenter. "We hope that these videos will help schools, businesses and families prepare for severe weather by taking the proper steps well in advance of a severe weather warning.”

Missouri experienced 80 tornadoes last year, an increase over the annual average of 32, making 2011 the fourth most dangerous tornado season in Missouri history, according to the National Weather Service.

Drill Time

The entire drill can be completed in 15 minutes, according to SEMA. Once residents hear broadcast drill messages or outdoor warning sirens, they should practice taking shelter. The release also states that other safe locations for businesses and schools include hallways, underneath staircases and designated tornado safe rooms.

Missouri Severe Weather Awareness Week began Monday and runs through Friday. Here are a few SEMA tips for proper practice and real life execution:

• Tornado watch means watch the sky. A tornado may form during a thunderstorm.
• Tornado warning means seek shelter immediately.
• An interior room without windows on the lowest floor is the safest shelter location.
• Do not seek shelter in a cafeteria, gymnasium or other large open room because of the potential for a roof collapse.
• Immediately leave a mobile home to seek shelter in a nearby building.
• Overpasses are not safe. An overpass' under-the-girder-type construction can cause a dangerous wind tunnel effect.
• If you are driving,you should stop and take shelter in a nearby building.
• If you are driving in a rural area and no shelter is available, seek shelter in a roadside ditch. Protect yourself from flying debris by covering your head with your arms, a coat or a blanket. Be prepared to move quickly in case the ditch fills with water
• Never drive into standing water. It can take less than six inches of fast moving water to make a slow moving car float. Once floating, a vehicle can overturn and sink.