Prepare for severe weather during statewide tornado drill on Tuesday

At least one tornado touched down near Andover, Kansas, on Friday. (Photo by Gage Shaw)

UPDATE: The drill is now over.

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The National Weather Service in Indianapolis will issue a test tornado warning Tuesday morning.

It will happen between 10 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. During this time, cities and towns will test their outdoor tornado sirens, and schools and business will do safety drills.

News 8 meteorologists will talk about the drill during Life.Style.Live!

(Photo Provided/National Weather Service.)

The National Weather Service has tips on how to prepare for a tornado:

  • Be Weather-Ready: Check the forecast regularly to see if you’re at risk for tornadoes. Listen to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio to stay informed about tornado watches and warnings. Check the Weather-Ready Nation for tips.
  • Sign Up for Notifications: Know how your community sends warnings. Some communities have outdoor sirens. Others depend on media and smart phones to alert residents of severe storms capable of producing tornadoes.
  • Create a Communications Plan: Have a family plan that includes an emergency meeting place and related information. If you live in a mobile home or home without a basement, identify a nearby safe building you can get too quickly, such as a church or family member.
  • Pick a safe room in your home, such as a basement, storm cellar, or an interior room on the lowest floor with no windows. Check more ideas for your family plan at: https://www.ready.gov/make-a-plan
  • Practice Your Plan: Conduct a family severe thunderstorm drill regularly so everyone knows what to do if a tornado is approaching. Make sure all members of your family know to go there when tornado warnings are issued. Don’t forget pets if time allows.
  • Prepare Your Home: Consider having your safe room reinforced. You can find plans for reinforcing an interior room to provide better protection on the Federal Emergency Management Agency website.
  • Help Your Neighbor: Encourage your loved ones to prepare for the possibility of tornadoes. Take CPR training so you can help if someone is hurt.