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Preparing for a Disaster Saves Lives
Newport News Encourages Residents to Participate in Virginia’s Statewide Tornado Drill
NEWPORT NEWS, VA – Tornadoes often strike with very little warning so preparation and planning are key to survival. According to the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, Virginia was struck by 39 tornadoes last year, the second highest number ever recorded in a single year. The City of Newport News is not immune to these statistics. In January 2009, heavy damage was caused at a local marina and at an apartment complex from straight-line winds that came in with a storm front with gusts of 100 mph. Whether it is a tropical storm, micro-burst, straight-line winds, or tornado, those living in a storm-prone area can take the same steps to protect themselves from the devastation these types of natural disasters can cause.
A statewide tornado drill is planned for Tuesday, March 17, at 9:45 a.m. On that date, schools, businesses, organizations and families are encouraged to participate in the drill, which is a joint effort of VDEM and the National Weather Service. At 9:45 a.m., the NWS will send a “test” tornado warning on NOAA Weather Radio. This will prompt radio and television stations to broadcast a test message.
“Having a NOAA Weather Radio in your school, organization, business, and home is just as important to your safety as having smoke alarms. Receiving warnings and practicing how to take cover during a tornado or severe weather alert is essential to reduce injuries during these types of events”, said Jack Williamson, Newport News Emergency Management Coordinator.
To conduct a tornado drill at work or home:
· Announce the start of the drill.
· Participants should act as though a tornado warning has been issued for the immediate area or a tornado has been sighted nearby. They should move as quickly as possible to a previously designated tornado-safe area.
· Safe areas are basements, interior rooms, bathrooms, closets or hallways on the lowest level of a building. Stay away from windows.
· Once in a safe area, people should crouch down or sit on the floor, facing down, and cover their head with their hands.
· After everyone is in the protective position, announce that the tornado has passed and the drill is over.
· Having some advance warning of inclement weather is vital to personal safety and the best way to receive these warnings is with a NOAA Weather Radio. NOAA Weather Radios with SAME (Specific Area Message Encoding) allows the radio to be programmed to receive alerts for a specific area. Radios with strobe lights can be purchased for the hearing impaired. NOAA Weather Radios can be purchased at electronics and sporting goods stores, department stores, boating and marine stores, and online for as little as $30. It is a small investment to receive early notification that can mean the difference between survival and tragedy.
· The City of Newport News has been rated as a StormReady® City by the National Weather Service since 2003. StormReady is a nationwide program that helps communities better protect their citizens during severe weather. As part of this proactive safety program, every public and private school in the City of Newport News is equipped with a NOAA Weather Radio.
· The Newport News Office of Emergency Management has an emergency telephone number, 269-2910, that can be called during or after a disaster to receive important recorded information about City services, road closures, etc. following a disaster. The City also has its own radio station, 1700 AM, that is updated with City-specific information following a disaster. Newport News Emergency Management personnel will be visiting area schools that will be conducting their own tornado drills to observe and provide guidance to school personnel, if necessary.
· To register participation in the March 17 statewide tornado drill, go to Virginia Department of Emergency Management. To learn more about preparing your family, workplace or school for a tornado, go to Ready Virginia and click on Stay Informed.
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Newport News Encourages Residents to Participate in Virginia’s Statewide Tornado Drill
NEWPORT NEWS, VA – Tornadoes often strike with very little warning so preparation and planning are key to survival. According to the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, Virginia was struck by 39 tornadoes last year, the second highest number ever recorded in a single year. The City of Newport News is not immune to these statistics. In January 2009, heavy damage was caused at a local marina and at an apartment complex from straight-line winds that came in with a storm front with gusts of 100 mph. Whether it is a tropical storm, micro-burst, straight-line winds, or tornado, those living in a storm-prone area can take the same steps to protect themselves from the devastation these types of natural disasters can cause.
A statewide tornado drill is planned for Tuesday, March 17, at 9:45 a.m. On that date, schools, businesses, organizations and families are encouraged to participate in the drill, which is a joint effort of VDEM and the National Weather Service. At 9:45 a.m., the NWS will send a “test” tornado warning on NOAA Weather Radio. This will prompt radio and television stations to broadcast a test message.
“Having a NOAA Weather Radio in your school, organization, business, and home is just as important to your safety as having smoke alarms. Receiving warnings and practicing how to take cover during a tornado or severe weather alert is essential to reduce injuries during these types of events”, said Jack Williamson, Newport News Emergency Management Coordinator.
To conduct a tornado drill at work or home:
· Announce the start of the drill.
· Participants should act as though a tornado warning has been issued for the immediate area or a tornado has been sighted nearby. They should move as quickly as possible to a previously designated tornado-safe area.
· Safe areas are basements, interior rooms, bathrooms, closets or hallways on the lowest level of a building. Stay away from windows.
· Once in a safe area, people should crouch down or sit on the floor, facing down, and cover their head with their hands.
· After everyone is in the protective position, announce that the tornado has passed and the drill is over.
· Having some advance warning of inclement weather is vital to personal safety and the best way to receive these warnings is with a NOAA Weather Radio. NOAA Weather Radios with SAME (Specific Area Message Encoding) allows the radio to be programmed to receive alerts for a specific area. Radios with strobe lights can be purchased for the hearing impaired. NOAA Weather Radios can be purchased at electronics and sporting goods stores, department stores, boating and marine stores, and online for as little as $30. It is a small investment to receive early notification that can mean the difference between survival and tragedy.
· The City of Newport News has been rated as a StormReady® City by the National Weather Service since 2003. StormReady is a nationwide program that helps communities better protect their citizens during severe weather. As part of this proactive safety program, every public and private school in the City of Newport News is equipped with a NOAA Weather Radio.
· The Newport News Office of Emergency Management has an emergency telephone number, 269-2910, that can be called during or after a disaster to receive important recorded information about City services, road closures, etc. following a disaster. The City also has its own radio station, 1700 AM, that is updated with City-specific information following a disaster. Newport News Emergency Management personnel will be visiting area schools that will be conducting their own tornado drills to observe and provide guidance to school personnel, if necessary.
· To register participation in the March 17 statewide tornado drill, go to Virginia Department of Emergency Management. To learn more about preparing your family, workplace or school for a tornado, go to Ready Virginia and click on Stay Informed.
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