INDIANAPOLIS — This week is severe weather and flooding preparedness week, and the statewide tornado drill is Tuesday morning at 10:15 a.m.
This is a great time to prepare for severe weather before it happens. Practicing where to go during severe weather and putting together a weather safety kit are a couple of ways to prepare.
During the drill, the tornado sirens will sound, but you won't get the emergency alert on your cellphone. Remember, the sirens are only for outdoor use. During severe weather, it is a good idea to have several ways to get warnings including your phone, the Live Doppler 13 Weather app, a weather radio and keeping updated with the Live Doppler 13 weather team on air and online.
The Live Doppler 13 weather team keeps you weather aware days ahead of severe weather events by highlighting risk areas. The day of a severe weather event, a watch might be issued, and it means just that: watch. Ingredients are coming together to support severe storms and/or tornadoes.
When a warning is issued, you need to take action. It is time to go to your safe place.
A basement is the safest place during a tornado warning. If you don't have a basement, you can choose the lowest level and in the middle. These areas are highlighted here in red.
A mobile home and a car are not safe places.
If you do take the time to put together a weather safety kit, you can include helmets or pillows to protect you head, water, boots or other sturdy shoes, snacks, a weather radio, flashlight, first aid kit and a portable cellphone charger.
