As a part of that week a statewide tornado drill is conducted. Schools, businesses, and other facilities are encouraged to conduct a tornado drill at this time to practice their respective tornado shelter plans. In 1997, over 527,800 school children participated in the statewide tornado drill. The philosophy behind conducting a second tornado drill is multi-faceted. While schools are afforded an opportunity to drill and protect children, we are not making available that same opportunity for families.
Most families are together during the period of highest probability of severe weather.
A second evening tornado drill allows families to practice their home tornado drill plans. Many citizens who would respond to an emergency situation are volunteers. An additional evening tornado drill provides a situation where more emergency responders will be available to conduct preparedness exercises. Severe weather can happen at any time, and our state's future is vested in our children. For this single reason we need an afternoon drill to help ensure that schools are prepared for the possibility of a tornado during school hours when our children are on the grounds.