Latest news with #FloridaSevereWeatherAwarenessWeek
Yahoo
05-02-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
‘Survivor mindset': Floridians prepare for real weather emergencies during ‘Great Tornado Drill'
People across the Sunshine State are practicing a plan to stay safe during severe weather. 'The Great Tornado Drill' was held at 10 a.m. Wednesday in all of Florida's 67 counties. The event lets citizens sign up in advance to receive an alert like they would during a real emergency. WATCH: Volusia County deputies jump into action to save unconscious man on out-of-control boat The goal is to practice taking shelter in the most secure interior room of your home or office. Channel 9 spoke to Seminole County's Office of Emergency Management about the importance of the annual event. SEE: UCF Football schedule is set for 2025 🏈 'We want people to consider a survivor mindset — 'What am I going to do during a tornado warning?' ... That way they don't have to scramble to think about it, they already know, and they can act,' Emergency Manager Alan Harris said. The Great Tornado Drill is part of Florida Severe Weather Awareness Week. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Yahoo
05-02-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Hurricanes aren't the only hazard so Florida has tornado drill today. Here's what happens
This week is Florida Severe Weather Awareness Week. The National Weather Service is highlighting a different hazard each day between Feb. 3 through Feb. 7. If you have a weather alert radio, watch for a tornado drill today. ➤ Weather alerts via text: Sign up to get updates about current storms and weather events by location "Severe Weather Awareness Week is a great reminder that Florida's weather can be unpredictable, making preparedness essential," said Kevin Guthrie, executive director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management. "From hurricanes and tornadoes to thunderstorms and flooding, severe weather can strike at any time. Having a plan, staying informed and knowing how to respond are key to staying safe." A statewide tornado drill is scheduled for approximately 10 a.m. EST, weather permitting, the Florida Division of Emergency Services said. If severe weather is expected on Wednesday, the drill will be postponed to Friday, Feb. 7, at 10 a.m. EST. "School districts, private schools, preschools and daycare centers are encouraged to participate in the drill to prepare their faculty and students on what to do for potential tornadic activity," the agency said. The tornado drill will be transmitted over weather radios, said Megan Tollefsen, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service Melbourne. It won't trigger the Florida emergency alert system, and you won't get an alert on your phone. So check your weather radio today to see if you received the drill. The week is a cooperative effort between the National Weather Service and the Florida Division of Emergency Management intended to spread "awareness of severe weather hazards" residents could encounter. The agencies said they want to "ensure that Florida residents and visitors are better informed and prepared for potential severe weather." Each day of Florida's Severe Weather Awareness Week highlights the information and preparation tips on different types of severe weather as follows: Monday, Feb. 3: Lightning Tuesday, Feb. 4: Marine hazards and rip currents Wednesday, Feb. 5: Thunderstorms and tornadoes Thursday, Feb. 6: Hurricanes and flooding Friday, Feb. 7 : Temperature extremes and wildfires We will continue to update our weather coverage as conditions warrant. Download your local site's app to ensure you're always connected to the news. And look for our special subscription offers here. This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Florida Severe Weather Awareness week 2025. Tornado drill Feb. 5
