The Caddo-Bossier Office of Emergency Preparedness (OEP) will coordinate the Spring Tornado Drill on WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2005, between 9:00 and 9:30 a.m..  The earlier time frame will allow for more participation.  The drill is held in conjunction with “SEVERE WEATHER AWARENESS WEEK”.

The National Weather Service and Caddo-Bossier (OEP) emphasizes that a tornado can strike at any hour of the day.  We stress the importance that school officials know what to do in the event a tornado threatens while students are arriving to school, departing from school, during class changes, lunch or special activities.  Please review your procedures during these situations when students are outside normal classroom environments.

The National Weather Service Office in Shreveport will activate weather warning radios so your school will be able to (1) CHECK THE RECEPTION OF THE SIGNALS, (2) EXECUTE YOUR TORNADO PLANS, AND (3) TEST YOUR SHELTER PROCEDURES.  It is recommended that faculty, staff, and students take the protective posture for about 3 minutes.

TORNADO SAFETY RULES

Tornado Warning:  A tornado has been sighted or indicated by radar.

1. A series of four short rings signals a tornado warning is in effect.
2. During a tornado warning, stay inside the building. If you are in an office building move to the inside hallway or lower floor.
3. Interior hallways, restrooms, storage rooms, and closets make good shelter.
4. Do not seek shelter in a gymnasium, auditorium or other areas with wide, free span roofs.
5. If you are outside, try to get inside a building and stay in the areas mentioned in #3.
6. It is recommended that everyone take the protection posture for about 3 minutes.
7. A series of two short rings will signal all is clear.