Severe Weather Awareness Week Kicks Off

Tornado season is right around the corner in Ohio and state officials want to make sure residents are prepared.

Governor Ted Strickland proclaimed March 22-28 as Severe Weather Awareness week.
As part of the week, state officials will test the Emergency Alert System and tornado sirens Wednesday at 9:50 a.m. Schools and businesses are also encouraged to practice their emergency plans and tornado drills.

The Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness says the best defense in any tornado warning is preparedness. Understand tornado terms and situations, have a disaster plan and practice that plan.

Akron's American Red Cross office on West Market St. is holding a class today to train tornado spotters.

KNOW YOUR TORNADO TERMS:

A tornado watch is issued when conditions are favorable for developing a tornado. So keep an eye on the sky and pay attention to any further storm developments.

A tornado warning is issued when a tornado is detected by Doppler radar or seen by tornado spotters. If a tornado warning is issued for your area, go to a safe location, preferably a sturdy building, immediately.

If you are in your car or a mobile home when a tornado warning is issued, leave immediately and go to the lowest floor of a sturdy structure near by.

Tornado warnings are usually issued for 30 minutes at a time.

To be as safe as possible during a tornado, go to the lowest level of the building, put as many walls in between yourself and the outdoors, cover your head and body, and stay inside until the storn has passed.

April through July are the most common months for tornadoes to form in Ohio. Ohio averages 13 tornadoes a year.