Ohio tornado drill 2025 happening statewide Wednesday. What to know about emergency test

The Ohio Emergency Management Agency (EMA) will hold a statewide tornado drill Wednesday, March 19 at 9:50 a.m., the agency announced. During this time, Ohio counties may sound and test their outdoor warning sirens and mass notification systems.

Ohioans, including schools, households and businesses, are encouraged to practice their tornado drills and emergency plans, Ohio EMA wrote.

“The statewide tornado drill gives Ohioans a chance to practice safe sheltering before a real severe weather event,” Ohio Emergency Management Agency Executive Director Sima Merick said in a statement.

This week, March 16-22, has been designated as Severe Weather Awareness Week.

“Severe weather can impact Ohio at any time of the year, and Severe Weather Awareness Week is a great time to learn about severe weather and how to prepare for it,” Governor Mike DeWine said in a statement. “Being prepared ahead of a disaster is one of the most important things you can do to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.”

Ohio EMA tips for staying safe during inclement weather

• Be ready to move to a place of safety if the watch is upgraded to a warning or if threatening weather approaches.

• Take action when a tornado is imminent or has been sighted. Warnings indicate impending danger to life and property.

• Know what hazards can impact your area. Visit the OCSWA website to learn more about severe weather safety and preparedness.

• Always have multiple means of receiving weather and emergency communications such as a NOAA All-Hazards Weather Radio and local television media weather apps.

• Learn and practice evacuation routes, shelter plans, and flash flood response. Make a kit, including non-perishable foods, cleaning supplies, and water for several days, in case you must leave quickly or if services are cut off in your area.

• Never attempt to cross a flooded road on foot or in a vehicle. It only takes six inches of water to knock an adult off their feet, one foot of moving water can float a vehicle, and two feet of water can carry away most vehicles including pickup trucks and SUVs.

Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at ajthompson@gannett.com, or on Twitter @athompsonABJ

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Tornado warning in Ohio? Tornado sirens will be tested Wednesday