NW Missouri Times

Northwest Missouri State University, in collaboration with the National Weather Service, the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), and local emergency management offices, is organizing tornado drills in March to prepare for severe weather.

“There are different types of severe weather that impact northwest Missouri throughout the seasons,” stated University Police Chief Amanda Cullin. “It’s always best to know what your resources are and how you can prepare for the worst-case scenario.”

The university will test its indoor emergency operations, including the Bearcat Alert texting system, during a tornado drill scheduled for 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 5. If inclement weather occurs on that day, the drill will be rescheduled to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 19.

Severe weather procedures are clearly posted in campus offices and buildings and can be accessed via the Crisis Manager app. The university encourages full participation from its community during this drill.

Additionally, in partnership with Wellness Services, Northwest’s University Police Department will host Bobby Palooza from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, March 6 at the east pavilion outside J.W. Jones Student Union. Burgers and hot dogs will be available along with safety information as students prepare for Spring Break.

When broadcast drill messages or outdoor warning sirens sound, students and employees should seek shelter immediately. In locations without designated tornado shelters, they should find an interior room without windows on the lowest level of a building.

This tornado drill is part of a statewide effort coordinated by the National Weather Service, SEMA, and local emergency managers to help Missourians prepare for tornadoes and other severe weather conditions like storms, lightning, and flooding.

Missouri’s website offers detailed videos demonstrating how to take shelter in various building types such as homes with or without basements and mobile homes. It also provides crucial information about tornado sirens and weather alert radios.

Northwest conducts tests of its warning system at 11 a.m. each Wednesday if weather permits it; any use of this system outside these times signals an actual emergency requiring immediate action.

For further details about preparing for severe weather on campus, individuals can contact the University Police Department at 660-562-1254 or visit their website.