Since this is Severe Weather Awareness Week in North Carolina, we are asking all North Carolinians to review and rehearse their safety plans for home, work or school so they can respond quickly when tornadoes or severe storms threaten.
Today (Friday) schoolchildren and adults across the state will hold tornado drills so everyone can act quickly and calmly if a real tornado threatens. The safest place during a tornado is always underground in a basement. If there is no basement, go to the lowest floor of your house and to an interior room such as a hallway, pantry or closet. Schoolchildren should go to inner hallways, but stay out of gymnasiums, auditoriums or cafeterias where there is a large roof span. Office workers should take shelter under something sturdy like a desk or a table to protect from flying debris or a collapsed roof. And everyone should stay away from windows.
While March, May and November are the deadliest months for tornadoes in North Carolina, tornadoes can strike any time, especially during heavy thunderstorms when warm, moist air collides with cold air.
You can protect your family by listening to local radio, television, or a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration radio when severe weather threatens. If a tornado warning is issued for your area, a tornado has actually been spotted and you should seek safe shelter immediately!
So as you get ready for spring, remember to watch out for severe weather and stay safe.