W.Va. Governor declares March 16-20 Severe Weather Awareness Week

CHARLESTON, WV (WOAY) – Governor Jim Justice has signed a proclamation designating March 16-20 as Severe Weather Awareness Week in West Virginia.

The West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) and the National Weather Service in Charleston (NWS) will share severe weather safety information throughout the week.

All West Virginians are encouraged to activate and practice their severe weather emergency plans during the Statewide Tornado Safety Drill set to take place at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 17.

The National Weather Service (NWS), in partnership with West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM), and the West Virginia Broadcasters Association, will issue a test tornado warning message. This message will be broadcast on local television and radio stations. The message will not be broadcast on cell phones.

Local jurisdictions have been invited to take part in the tornado drill by using their emergency sirens or other public address systems.

“Severe weather is West Virginia’s most constant threat. The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management is committed to ensuring our citizens are prepared for all types of hazards,” said DHSEM Director Michael Todorovich. “Testing your emergency plan during Severe Weather Awareness Week, whether with family members or co-workers, helps ensure we all will be ready for the next severe weather event in the State.”

Severe weather awareness and preparedness involves three steps:

1. BE INFORMED – Understand the types of hazardous weather that can affect you and your family and stay up to date on the weather forecast regularly at weather.gov or your favorite weather source. Sign up for localized alerts from emergency management officials.
2. PLAN AHEAD – Build an emergency kit and develop a severe weather plan that considers all types of local hazards and associated risks.
3. TAKE ACTION – When severe weather strikes, activate your severe weather emergency plan.  After severe weather strikes, take action in your community.