Indiana Weather Preparedness Week information

With summer on the way, I would like to share some information provided in a press release to my office from the National Weather Service in Indianapolis about Indiana Severe Weather Preparedness Week, March 14-20.

Has the long winter reduced the Indiana tornado threat this year?

"Not likely. It may delay the onset," said David Tucek, Warning Coordination Meteorologist from the National Weather Service in Indianapolis. "Regardless of the start, it's important that Hoosiers always be prepared."

The tornado striking Evansville at 2 a.m., in November 2005, was the deadliest in our state in more than 30 years, according to Tucek.

"Many were killed because they were unaware of the threat. We need to be prepared at all times," he said. "More than 60,000 people across Indiana purchased NOAA All Hazards radios in recent years to be alerted whenever tornado warnings are issued for their area."

The National Weather Service, in cooperation with the Indiana State Department of Homeland Security, Indiana State Police, Indiana Public Safety Commission, Indiana Department of Education, the Indiana Broadcasters Association, the American Red Cross and the amateur radio community, will be conducting a severe weather preparedness campaign March 14-20.

Every family, every school and every business should take time now to review or create a weather safety action plan.

The 32nd annual statewide test tornado drill will be conducted on Wednesday, March 17, between 10:15 a.m., and 10:30 a.m. EDT.

A second drill will occur between 7:30 p.m., and 7:45 p.m., Wednesday evening.

Thursday, March 18, is the make-up drill day if severe weather postpones Wednesday's drill.

The drill will be initiated by TEST Tornado Warnings issued by NWS offices serving Indiana and will trigger alarms on NOAA All Hazards radios and other programmed electronic devices. TV stations will also carry text crawls and radio stations will also broadcast the TEST warning. Everyone is encouraged to use the test warning and communication tests as an opportunity to practice severe weather safety plans.

The National Weather Service will issue Public Information Statements each day during Preparedness Week covering a specific topic of severe weather.

For further information, refer to the NOAA website at http://www.crh.noaa.gov/ind.

Bryan Husband

Clay County Emergency Management Agency Director

611 E. Jackson St. 


Brazil, Indiana 47834 


Office Phone Number: 812-446-2535 Ext. 156 



Fax Number: 812-448-8400 


E-mail: clayema@claycountyin.gov or husband@cebridge.net