If you hear the county's tornado warning sirens wailing Tuesday morning, don't panic; it's only a drill.
At 9:07 a.m. – 10:07 a.m. EST – Crittenden County will join other county's across the commonwealth in participating in the Statewide Tornado Safety Drill as part of Severe Weather Awareness Week that ends Sunday.
Severe weather is Kentucky’s most common threat, as evidenced by the four weather-related, federally-declared disasters during 2015.
"As evidenced by the severe weather events in the first two months of this year; preparedness efforts of our county EM partners, local emergency responders and citizen outreach, made a dramatic difference in ensuring no injuries or loss of life occurred during these responses", said Michael Dossett, Director of Kentucky Emergency Management. Dossett went on to say, "Testing your plan during Awareness Week, whether by family members or with your co-workers, ensures we are all ready for the next weather hazard that may challenge the Commonwealth".
As part of severe weather awareness activities, a statewide tornado drill will be conducted in conjunction with the proclamation.
At approximately 10:07 a.m. EST Tuesday, the National Weather Service, in partnership with Kentucky Emergency Management, the Kentucky Weather Preparedness Committee and Kentucky Broadcasters Association will issue a test tornado warning message.
Across Kentucky, outdoor warning sirens will sound, weather alert radios will activate, and television and radio stations will broadcast the alert; allowing the public the opportunity to practice tornado safety.
The broadcasted test message will emphasize this is only a test of the alert system. During the test alert all Kentuckians, businesses, hospitals, nursing homes, educators and government agencies are encouraged to participate in the tornado drill and update their emergency plans.
