This is a great drill for schools, businesses, households, community centers and other locations where organizations meet. Once the group is in the safe room, participants can take a selfie and post it on Social Media (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) using the hashtag #PCtornadodrill. The best photo entries will win a NOAA Weather Radio, which issues emergency weather warnings. 

Instructions for the drill 
Before the drill 
• Prepare
• Inform staff/students
• Review and refine a tornado plan http://www.spc.noaa.gov/faq/tornado/safety.html 
 
Jan. 16: The day of the drill 
After 8 a.m.
Consider a Tornado Watch to be in effect. A watch means conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes and weather should be closely monitored.
• Announce the “test of the Tornado Watch” to staff and/or students
• Designate someone to coordinate emergency procedures
• Evacuate tornado-vulnerable areas
 
At 10 a.m. 
Consider a Tornado Warning to be in effect. A warning means that a tornado is very possible or one has been spotted.
• “Receive” the emergency message (Simulate this yourself. You will only receive a test alert if you are signed up for Alert Pinellas. You can sign up at www.pinellascounty.org/alertpinellas).
• Drill coordinator determines this is an immediate threat and gives a “take shelter” or “duck and cover” command (depending on space available at location). Remember to reiterate that this is only a drill.
Take a selfie and post it using the hashtag #PCTornadoDrill.

10:30 a.m.  
Termination of Watch and Warning 
• Give instructions to return to normal activities (You will not receive notification. Terminate the drill as you see fit.)
 
After the Drill 
Wrap-up 
• Following the drill, assess and revise the plan as needed.
 
For more information on emergency preparedness, go to http://www.pinellascounty.org/emergency/tornado.htm