North Carolina To Observe Severe Weather Preparedness Week In Early March – WHKY

Severe Weather Preparedness Week will be observed in North Carolina during the week of March 3-9. With warmer weather approaching, officials say now is the time to prepare for the severe weather season. The safety campaign will include information on severe weather alerts, severe weather safety, lightning safety, flash flood safety, severe weather safety plans, and more.

Part of Severe Weather Preparedness Week is the annual statewide tornado drill, which is scheduled for Wednesday, March 6 at 9:30 a.m. Every school, business, workplace, and family across the state is encouraged to participate in the drill. If there is a risk of actual severe weather that day, the drill will be postponed until Friday, March 8 at 9:30 a.m.

The tornado drill will be broadcast on NOAA Weather Radio and the Emergency Alert System via the Required Monthly Test (RMT). An actual Tornado Warning will not be issued. Regardless, organizations can plan to start the tornado drill independently that day.

Awareness is an essential part of severe weather preparedness. Alexander County officials urge citizens to register for Hyper-Reach, the county’s mass emergency notification system that sends out notifications for severe weather and other emergencies. Register online at http://hyper-reach.com/ncalexandersignup.html.

Ready.gov is an excellent resource for families, businesses, schools, churches, and other organizations. This federal website details how to create an emergency plan and a preparedness kit. Planning should include communications, shelter, childcare, pets, evacuation routes, and more. Kits should include flashlights and batteries, phone chargers, medications and medical supplies, food and water, and other necessities. For assistance with creating an emergency plan and kit, visit www.ready.gov/plan.

For additional information about NC Severe Weather Preparedness Week, visit the National Weather Service website at www.weather.gov/gsp/swaw2024.

[News release from Alexander County Government]