Statewide Tornado Drill Takes Place Tuesday Morning

Northern Virginia residents are urged to take part in a statewide tornado drill Tuesday at 9:45 a.m.

The Fairfax County Office of Emergency Management says the drill is an important safety exercise in an effort to remain safe should tornado strike.

While not commonly considered “tornado country,” Virginia has had 70 since 2011, including one in Reston. In total, they have caused more than $3 million in damage.

The National Weather Service will be testing its alert system as part of the drill. When the drill begins,  immediately protect yourself by going to a designated shelter-in-place or to the center of an interior room on the lowest level away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls, Fairfax County emergency managers say.

The Virginia Department of Emergency Management has these tips on organizing a drill in your home or office as well as information on how to spot the signs of a tornado.

Find more information on the Statewide Tornado Drill or additional drill resources at the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM). Find more information on tornadoes from FEMA at http://www.ready.gov/tornadoes.

Gov. Terry McAuliffe has designated March 11 as Tornado Preparedness Day in Virginia.