Monroe County Emergency Management Director Jim Comerford says all of the sirens worked as expected during the morning tornado drill. Monroe County has 37 sirens and the IU campus has 6.
National Weather Service officials say sirens are designed only to alert those who are outside that something dangerous is approaching. For alerts indoors, they recommend every home and business own a NOAA Weather All-Hazards radio. They say the radio is like a smoke detector for severe weather. It can wake you up when a warning is issued for your area.
No issues were found with the IU-Notify systems either says IU Bloomington Emergency Management Director Debbi Fletcher. "Remember, there will be another drill this evening around 7:30pm. This is another chance to test your plans at home," she says.
WTIU and WFIU will also participate this evening during the second drill relaying information over the air.
ORIGINAL STORY
Tornado sirens, emergency systems and notification protocols will be tested throughout Indiana today. It's part of the annual observance of Severe Weather Preparedness Week.
The first drill will occur shortly after 10:00 a.m. with a second drill after 7:30 p.m.
Notifications will also be sent to subscribers of the Monroe County Alert system. Indiana University is on spring break, but will conduct its own test sending texts, emails and social-media messages to students and staff at all eight IU campuses.
"The tornado drills offer an opportunity for schools, businesses and families to discuss and practice their emergency plan," Monroe County Emergency Management Director Jim Comerford states in a release. "It's important that everyone, regardless of where they are when severe weather strikes, is aware of what to do and where to go."
National Weather Service officials say follow these rules when the tornado sirens sound:
In homes, get away from windows, doors and outside walls. Go to the basement or first floor room at the center of the house.
Do not waste time opening windows.
In schools, follow official instructions. Avoid auditoriums and gyms.
In public buildings, go to designated shelter area. Stay away from glass. Do not use elevators and don't go to your car.
In factories, post a lookout, move safest sections of the facility.
In vehicles, seek shelter in a strong building or lie flat in the vehicle or low lying area.
In mobile homes, abandon them immediately. If no shelter nearby, take cover in a ditch.
In large public gathering places like ball parks, stadiums - follow guidance from officials at the facility.
