Marshall County EMA urges citizens to Be Prepared for Severe Weather Parepardeness Week, tornado siren testing

Indiana will observe Severe Weather Preparedness Week from March 8-14, and Jack Garner, Director of Marshall County Emergency Management Agency, is encouraging residents to participate in this week’s educational efforts.

Marshall County is familiar with severe weather. Just last spring, two tornadoes caused injuries and property damage in the county. Severe storms can strike anytime, anywhere, so it’s crucial to be prepared!

Here are some ways to get ready this week:

1. Sign up for weather alerts!

There are many ways to receive weather alerts. Locally, EMA recommends downloading the Marshall County smartphone app, which sends push notifications when severe weather is nearby. Other private weather apps can do the same. It’s best to have multiple alert methods!

2. Know your terminology!

The National Weather Service issues three levels of severe weather alerts: statements, watches, and warnings. Tornado and Severe Thunderstorm Warnings are the most urgent and are issued when severe weather is happening. Watches are usually issued hours before severe weather and indicate conditions are favorable for tornadoes or severe storms. Special Weather Statements are used when storms are below severe levels but could still threaten safety.

3. Have a plan and practice it!

Create a severe weather plan with your family and at work so you know where to go during storms. Always seek shelter indoors when you see lightning! If a Tornado Warning is issued, go to the lowest, most interior room of your building.

The statewide tornado drill is set for 10:15 AM on Tuesday, March 10th. However, severe thunderstorms are forecasted for Tuesday, so the test might be rescheduled for Wednesday.

During the drill, Marshall County Dispatch will activate outdoor warning sirens controlled by the county. Sirens in Bourbon, Center, and Union Townships are managed by the county. All other sirens are operated by local fire departments. EMA encourages those departments to participate and activate their sirens too. Schools and businesses should take this chance to review and practice their tornado safety plans.

For more tips and updates on Tuesday’s weather forecast and tornado drill, follow Marshall County EMA on Facebook!