The statewide tornado drill held Wednesday across Kentucky took on a more prominent meaning following the deaths of 23 people from a massive tornado in Alabama. The annual exercise is typically held the first week of March, the kickoff of the severe storm season.
Lexington Emergency Management Preparedness Coordinator Shelley Bendall says the severe storms in the deep south are likely on the minds of many people in Kentucky. “Well that last couple years have been relatively quiet as far as tornadoes go in the U.S. and so to have that deadly and devastating tornado, certainly I think probably encouraged more people to take action and participate in the drill this year,” said Bendall.
In addition to practicing a sheltering plan, Bendall says it’s important to have more than one way to receive a tornado warning. Beyond TV and radio, she says there are mobile apps available and NOAA weather radio to stay informed. Bendall says the last tornado in Lexington occurred in 2005. A significant tornado struck West Liberty in 2012.
