Schools prepare for severe weather as state conducts tornado drill

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – The weather is turning warmer this week, and while that could mean a sign of spring rapidly approaching, it could also signify the beginning of severe weather season.

On March 4 the state will be conducting a statewide tornado siren test, setting off every tornado siren, weather radio and television warning system in the state. These tests are annual and provide an opportunity for residents all across the state to practice what to do when severe weather heads your way.

While most will be at work and have the experience to know what to do, for schools, it’s an opportunity to educate both students and staff about what to do during a worst case scenario. For one local principal, he says that practice makes perfect for emergency situations like this.

“It’s like anything else, the more that you practice, the more proficient you are at it. And then, you know, in the face of something really occurring, if we’ve rehearsed that and we practice that and students know where to go and they know what to do, then they’re less likely to react in a way that’s chaotic, in a way that you know, may put themselves or others at risk. Again, it’s just, you know, rehearsal practice, we’re used to the protocol. And so I think that’s why it’s really important to revisit that. And it’s just, you know, that old adage, practice makes perfect,” said Cory Edwards, principal of Temple Hill Elementary School in Barren County.

Teachers undergo training before the school year starts and read about what to do during certain situation, but Edwards said once you go through the motions, it’s easier to understand what to do for both students and their educators.

The test will take place on March 4 at 9:07 a.m. CST and 10:07 a.m. EST.