COLUMBUS, Ohio — Tornado sirens across the state were activated Wednesday morning as part of a yearly drill.

The drill coincides with Severe Weather Awareness Week (March 15-21). The awareness week is scheduled for the third week of March each year.

At 9:50 a.m. on Wednesday, March 18, local communities participated in a statewide tornado drill and tested their emergency and sheltering plans. Ohio counties used time to sound and test their outdoor warning sirens and mass notification systems.

The drill will took the place of the weekly Wednesday noon outdoor warning siren test in Franklin County.  The system was activated one time for three minutes — a longer tone than the regular weekly test.

Businesses, schools and households are also encouraged to practice their tornado drills and emergency plans.

Difference between Storm Watches and Warnings

A Tornado WATCH means conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes in and near areas designated by the National Weather Service. Be ready to move to a place of safety if the watch is upgraded to a warning or if threatening weather approaches.

A Tornado WARNING means a tornado is imminent or has been sighted. Warnings indicate impending danger to life and property. Seek safe shelter immediately.

There are several ways to prepare for severe weather events. For starters, children are taught in school to DUCK:

• D – go down to the lowest level, stay away from windows.
• U – go under something such as a basement staircase or a heavy table or desk.
• C – cover your head.
• K – keep in shelter until the storm has passed.

Then there are ways to protect your home that can be done in minutes and at minimal or no cost to you. (Source: Disastersafety.org)

• Close your garage door and all interior doors to give your roof a fighting chance in high winds.
• Make sure to tidy up outdoors and organize your garage. Items on the lawn or patio could become flying debris and damage your home
• Locate and prepare a safe space: an interior room with no windows on the lowest floor of your home, such as a basement or closet
• Set up multiple ways to get weather alerts