With the arrival of spring, preparations for the severe weather season have begun. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln will participate in a statewide tornado drill conducted by the National Weather Service between 10 and 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 27.
The weather service is conducting the drill as part of Severe Weather Awareness Week.
As long as no actual severe weather is occurring or expected, a simulated “Tornado Watch” message will go out over area radio and TV stations the morning of March 27. If it was an actual watch message, it would mean that conditions were right for possible tornado activity and residents should remain alert.
During the selected time, a simulated Tornado Warning message will be issued and outdoor emergency sirens will be tested by Lincoln and Lancaster County to simulate a confirmed tornado. UNL will test its systems in conjunction with the Lincoln and Lancaster County confirmation warning.
All students, faculty and staff are asked to participate in this opportunity to familiarize themselves with the locations of their designated shelters and with tornado warning procedures.
Mark Robertson, emergency preparedness coordinator for the UNL Police, said the drill may cause disruption to classes and work, but is necessary to test UNL emergency communications systems and procedures.
The UNL tornado warning policy can be found at http://bf.unl.edu/policepolicy/TornadoWarning.shtml. To sign up for UNL Alert messages, go to http://unlalert.unl.edu.
More details at: http://go.unl.edu/4y5