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Threats & Emergencies  

Tornadoes

Tornado Home • Tornado Basics • Preparing for Tornadoes • Responding to Tornadoes

When it comes to tornadoes, there's no such thing as a "tornado season." Tornadoes can strike anywhere, anytime, and you need to know the drill. There are simple, low-cost steps families can take to be ready: get a kit, make a plan and stay informed. Visit the Ready Virginia Web site for more about these three important steps.

The annual Statewide Tornado Drill was held Tuesday, March 17, 2009. More than 446,000 people participated, representing families, businesses and organizations, local governments, state agencies, colleges and universities, and public and private schools. If you took part in the statewide drill and have not registered your participation, you can do that through March 31.

We held a drill March 17, 2009

If you weren’t able to participate on March 17, it’s never too late to practice tornado safety. Plan your drill today with these helpful guidelines: Please take a few minutes to register now to let us know.

• How to conduct a tornado drill

Tornado Preparedness and Safety Tips

• Know the signs
• Watches and warnings
• Prepare a home tornado plan
• Know what to do

Tornado Preparedness Day Media Kit

• Public Service Announcements
• Governor's Proclamation
• Download Graphics

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Stay in touch during emergencies:

Get a secure place on the Web to stay in touch with your family, business, school and community during emergencies. Developed by Stargazer™, Safety Links help you keep friends and family informed during emergencies.

 

For Seniors:

Disaster Preparedness for Seniors | Download PDF Version [3.1mb]

Ready.gov: Seniors

American Red Cross: Disaster Preparedness for Seniors by Seniors

Related Info

• Info for Businesses
• 2008 Virginia Tornados [pdf]
• National Weather Service: VA Tornado History
• Disaster Supply Kits [in Prepare & Prevent]
• Family Disaster Planning [Ready Virginia]