A tornado drill is a method of practicing to take cover in a specified location in the event that a tornado strikes an area. Generally, a signal is given, such as a series of tones (ex. Continuous Tone), or a voice announcement. Upon receiving the signal, building occupants proceed to a designated location, usually an interior room or corridor with no windows, and assume a protective position.[1][2]
In some jurisdictions, schools are required to conduct regular tornado drills, though generally less frequently than fire drills.
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Most states in the midwestern and southern United States conduct a statewide tornado drill in late winter or early spring in preparation for the severe weather season. During these drills, the National Weather Service issues test tornado warnings, and local Emergency Alert Systems and/or NOAA Weather Radio (normally as a Required Weekly Test/RWT, Administrative Message/ADR, Practice-Demo/DMO, or Required Monthly Test/RMT; Tornado Warning/TOR can be used if a waiver from the FCC is granted since "Live Code Testing" is prohibited) are activated along with outdoor warning sirens. Schools and businesses may also conduct a tornado drill simultaneously.