Severe weather awareness week now; statewide tornado drill on Wednesday

The Wood County Emergency Management Agency reminds residents and businesses that Spring Severe Weather Awareness Week in Ohio will be March 17 – 23. There will be a Statewide tornado drill on Wednesday, March 21, at 9:50 a.m.

Outdoor warning sirens in Wood County will be activated for the statewide drill. The National Weather Service will also activate the NOAA Weather Radio Alert System at the time to test weather radios and announce the drill.

Residents and businesses should take this opportunity to establish, review, and practice their procedures in seeking safe shelter when severe weather occurs. Everyone should stay alert for rapidly changing weather conditions when a “watch” is issued and be prepared to take immediate safety measures in the event a “warning” is issued or weather conditions warrant taking action. It is important for everyone to have a safety action plan for severe weather before storms threaten the area.

For more information on severe storms and storm safety, contact the Wood County Emergency Management Agency at 419-354-9269 or visit the National Weather Service web-site at www.nws.noaa.gov or the Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness web-site at www.weathersafety.ohio.gov .