Residents of and are encouraged to participate in the Missouri Severe Weather Drill at about 1:30 p.m. Tuesday. The event is coordinated by the National Weather Service.
The 15-minute drill is meant to draw attention to severe-weather safety rules and the need for severe weather plans, a news release states.
"Once Missourians hear broadcast drill messages or outdoor warning sirens, they should practice taking shelter," the release states. "The safest shelter location is an interior room without windows in the lowest level of a building. Other safe locations for businesses and schools include hallways, underneath staircases and designated tornado safe rooms. The drill is complete once everyone is accounted for in the designated shelters."
Missouri experienced 80 tornadoes last year, an increase over the annual average of 32, an informational flier states. Download this PDF to learn about tornadoes and safety preparation.
Missouri Severe Weather Awareness Week began Monday and runs through Friday.
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