The National Weather Service will conduct a statewide tornado drill today at 10am, as part of Severe Weather Awareness Week. The drill begins with a mock tornado watch, and followed by a warning. KNIA/KRLS is broadcasting a special program about how we cover severe weather during the statewide tornado drill, which includes interviews with local and state officials about the different aspects of severe weather and how to stay safe.

Warren County Emergency Management Coordinator Troy Bass tells KNIA News the most important thing you can do to prepare for severe weather is to have a plan in place in the event of a disaster, including making sure you have areas you can shelter in if necessary.

“Know where your evacuation area is for a tornado or severe weather. Check your basement or crawlspace, and make sure you have a clear pathway to get there. We all like to store our miscellaneous stuff, usually right at the bottom of the stairs and you can’t get around quickly enough to get to the safe spot, so make sure those areas are clean.”

KNIA/KRLS is on the air with live coverage anytime a severe thunderstorm or tornado warning is issued in any portion of Marion County and Warren County, with backup generators to ensure coverage is still on-the-air if the power goes out.