The city of Danville will participate Tuesday in the Statewide Tornado Drill. The drill is set for 9:45 a.m.
At that time, the National Weather Service will send a test tornado warning that will trigger a tone alert and broadcast message on NOAA Weather Radio. The message will be picked up by television and radio stations to broadcast a test message simulating what listeners will hear during an actual tornado warning.
All citizens are encouraged to participate by practicing the following measures when the test tornado warning is sounded:
• Go immediately to a safe area – usually the lowest level of your home, office or school.
• Move to a windowless interior room, closet or hallway.
• Take a “drop, cover and hold” position. This means crouch as low as possible to the floor, facing down and covering your head with your hands.
The Danville Fire Department will be sending firefighters out to monitor the schools in their participation in this drill and offer assistance should any questions arise during the drill.
If citizens have any questions or concerns, then they should contact the Danville Fire Marshal’s Office or visit Virginia Department of Emergency Management’s website at www.vaemergency.gov
According to VDEM, last year, 51 tornadoes hit Virginia, the second highest number on record. Ten people died, more than 100 were injured, and 212 homes and 17 businesses were destroyed. Nearly every part of the state was affected.