Butler County Emergency Management Agency officials will participate Tuesday in a statewide tornado drill, in conjunction with the National Weather Service, and is asking residents to do the same.
“The Poplar Bluff and Butler County outdoor tornado warning sirens will be activated at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, in conjunction with the annual statewide event. Due to this drill, we will not be conducting our normal monthly tests, which are held on the first Monday of each month at noon,” said Butler County Emergency Management Agency Director Robbie Myers.
At 10 a.m. on the day of the drill, NOAA Weather Radios will alert listeners that the tornado drill has begun. Outdoor warning sirens will also sound across Missouri. At this time, participants should practice taking cover in their designated shelter.
Those without NOAA weather radios, Myers said, are urged to get one.
“As we approach the spring severe weather season, it is also a great time to consider purchasing a NOAA weather radio,” Myers said.
Schools, especially, are encouraged to use the tornado drill as an educational tool for students by incorporating tornado facts and meteorological information and safety tips into their lesson plans.
Severe weather can strike at any time in Missouri, making it important for everyone to be prepared to find the most secure shelter available no matter where they are. The statewide tornado drill is an excellent opportunity for Missourians to practice their sheltering plans and ensure readiness in case of a severe weather emergency, county officials said.
The statewide drill provides schools, businesses and families with an opportunity to test their planning and readiness to be able to quickly seek appropriate shelter in case of a real severe weather emergency. By practicing and increasing readiness across the state, Missourians will feel confident and prepared in the event of actual severe weather emergencies, officials believe.
The drill will follow a weekend of active weather, with heavy rain expected Saturday night. As of Friday afternoon, the weekend’s weather was not expected to reach severe levels.
More rain is predicted for Tuesday, and if conditions turn severe on the day of the drill, it will be moved to at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 4.