COLUMBUS – Ohio has already seen tornadoes, damaging winds, flooding and bone-chilling cold in 2019, but it is the third week of March that is traditionally set aside to remind residents of Ohio weather’s mean streak.
During Severe Weather Awareness Week, March 17-23, state and local emergency officials remind Ohioans to learn what to do to protect themselves from spring and summer weather hazards.
Get Ready, Ohio! Severe Weather Awareness Week is March 17-23. It's an ideal time to learn about severe weather safety & preparedness. The Statewide Tornado Drill is Wed, March 20th at 9:50 am https://t.co/7PfSw1NkGT #WeatherSafety pic.twitter.com/jgWH7of8fE
— Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness -OCSWA (@OHWxAwareness) March 13, 2019
“As we have seen this winter, severe weather, such as tornadoes and flooding, doesn’t keep a calendar. We need to know of all the weather hazards that can impact our state and how to prepare and protect ourselves,” said Ohio Emergency Management Agency executive director Sima Merick.
“Every minute counts in a disaster, so we encourage you to plan now so you’re prepared,” Merick said.
Part of Severe Weather Awareness Week every year is the statewide tornado drill, when the state tests its Emergency Alert System on Wednesday 9:50 a.m. During this time, Ohio counties will sound and test their outdoor warning sirens and schools, businesses and households are encouraged to practice tornado drills and emergency plans.
“Ohio has already had two tornadoes this year, along with extremely cold weather, heavy snowstorms, and flooding that resulted in a state of emergency in nearly two dozen Ohio counties,” said Gov. Mike DeWine, who proclaimed a state of emergency earlier this month for 20 counties impacted by damaging flooding.
Residents are encouraged to make emergency plans for different hazards that can impact your household and practice tornado and fire drills. They should also make emergency supply kits for their homes or cars, in case they need to evacuate, DeWine said.