Statewide Tornado Drill to Be Conducted Wednesday, March 18

Ohio is conducting a statewide tornado drill at 9:50 a.m. on Wednesday, March 18. Kent State University will be participating in this test. Tornado sirens will be heard on all Kent State campuses at that time.

This is only a test, 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 at 9:50 a.m. on Wednesday, March 18. 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.

POSTED: Tuesday, March 17, 2026 09:51 AM
Updated: Tuesday, March 17, 2026 09:54 AM
WRITTEN BY:
Department of Public Safety
PHOTO CREDIT:
Bob Christy