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According to Logan County’s Emergency Management director Rodney Harkleroad, a statewide tornado drill will be sounded March 5, 2013, at approximately 9:07 a.m. CT. This is a test to allow people a time to practice what to do in case threat of a real tornado arrives. There are many things to remember when a disastrous situation occurs and it is better to be prepared ahead of time, which could save lives.

The National Weather Service (NWS) is partnering with Kentucky Emergency Management (KYEM), Kentucky Weather Preparedness Committee (KWPC) and the Kentucky Broadcasters Association (KBA), who will all issue a tornado warning test message. NWS will trigger the drill by issuing a NOAA TOR code with a test message embedded. Outdoor warning sirens will sound across Kentucky communities, weather alert radios will activate and television and radio stations will broadcast the alert - allowing the public the opportunity to practice a tornado safety drill.

The broadcast test message will emphasize this is only a test of the alert system, as schools across the Commonwealth use this time to conduct their annual statewide tornado drill. During the test alert, all Kentuckians, businesses, hospitals, nursing homes and government agencies are encouraged to practice their tornado safety drill and update their emergency plan.

According to the National Weather Service a Tornado Warning is an urgent announcement that a tornado has been reported or is imminent and warns you to take cover immediately. The following are instructions on what to do when a tornado warning has been issued for your area or whenever a tornado threatens:

In homes or small buildings:

Act quickly; seconds save lives.

Go to the basement (if available) or to an interior room on the lowest floor, such as a closet or bathroom.

If possible, get under a sturdy table or workbench.

Wrap yourself in overcoats or blankets to protect yourself from flying debris.

Be sure to stay clear of any threat of flying glass.

In mobile homes, automobiles, or RVs:

Abandon them immediately! Most deaths occur in cars and mobile homes. If you are in either of those locations, leave them and go to a substantial structure or designated tornado shelter. Mobile homes provide no shelter in a tornado regardless of how well tied down, and should be abandoned for a storm shelter. If you live in a mobile home, be sure you have a plan of safe action should the weather become threatening. If no shelter is available, lie flat in a ditch or depression in the ground and use your hands to cover your head.

In schools, hospitals, factories, or shopping centers:

Go to interior rooms and halls on the lowest floor. Stay away from glass enclosed places or areas with wide-span roofs such as auditoriums and warehouses. Crouch down and cover your head.

In high-rise buildings:

Go to interior small rooms or halls. Stay away from exterior walls or glassy areas.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, although tornadoes occur in many parts of the world, they are found most frequently in the United States.

A tornado is a violently rotating column of air extending from a thunderstorm to the ground. Tornadoes cause an average of 70 fatalities and 1,500 injuries in the U.S. each year. The strongest tornadoes have rotating winds of more than 250 mph. Tornadoes can be one mile wide and stay on the ground over 50 miles. Tornadoes may appear nearly transparent until dust and debris are picked up or a cloud forms within the funnel. The average tornado moves from southwest to northeast, but tornadoes have been known to move in any direction. The average forward speed is 30 mph but may vary from nearly stationary to 70 mph. Waterspouts are tornadoes which form over warm water. They can move onshore and cause damage to coastal areas.