UPDATE:
Due to increased potential for severe weather in Ohio, the statewide tornado drill originally scheduled for Wednesday, March 23, at 9:50 a.m. has been canceled.
The Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness and its partners, including Kent State University’s Department of Public Safety, continue to reinforce that Severe Weather Awareness Week is an opportunity to increase understanding of Ohio’s severe weather threats and most importantly, to practice tornado safety plans and drills.
Thank you for your vigilance in regards to Ohio’s severe weather risks.
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Original article:
Ohio is conducting a statewide tornado drill on Wednesday, March 23, at 9:50 a.m. All Kent State University campuses will be participating in this test. We will broadcast a recorded tornado education message through university speaker systems and IP (Internet Protocol) phones throughout buildings on all Kent State campuses.
This is only a test of the mass notification systems, and no shelter-in-place activities are required.
The Kent Campus tests the tornado sirens on the first Wednesday of every month at 11 a.m. and on the third Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.
Peak tornado season in Ohio is generally April through July. Tornadoes usually occur between 2 p.m. and 10 p.m., although they can occur at other times and throughout the year.
In the event of a tornado warning, the best option is to go to an underground shelter, basement or safe room. If no underground shelter is available, the next safest alternative is a windowless interior room, such as a bathroom, or an interior hallway on the lowest level of a sturdy building. Members of the university community should become familiar with these locations in buildings they frequent.
Again, be aware that the university is participating in this statewide tornado drill on Wednesday, March 23, at 9:50 a.m. This is only a test.
In cases of inclement weather conditions that impact the university, visit the university’s advisory webpage for information and updates.