Severe Weather Tornado Drill successful in all area schools
by GREG KAYLOR, Banner Staff Writer
Mar 11, 2011 | 2164 views | 0 0 comments | 5 5 recommendations | email to a friend | print
WATCHING OVER — Cleveland Fire Department Inspector Mika Vaughn watches as students at Stuart Elementary School cover their heads during a recent Tornado Preparedness Drill. Banner photo, DONNA KAYLOR
WATCHING OVER — Cleveland Fire Department Inspector Mika Vaughn watches as students at Stuart Elementary School cover their heads during a recent Tornado Preparedness Drill. Banner photo, DONNA KAYLOR
slideshow
Students at all city and county schools made sure their preparedness plan was effective this week. Bradley County Emergency Management Agency coordinated a Severe Weather Tornado Drill in city and county schools.

BCEMA Director Troy Spence said the drill went off without problems.

“Everything went well. Students took their safety precautions and positions while being monitored by teachers, school administrators and fire personnel from Cleveland Fire and Bradley County Fire Rescue,” said Spence.

Also, warning systems such as pagers and weather radios were checked to make sure they were properly receiving correct warning tones and signals which alert school officials to put their Emergency Operations Plans in action in the event of a weather situation such as tornadoes or other severe storm activity.

“All systems checked out well,” Spence added.

Tornado and Severe Weather Drills are conducted each year to teach students what to do, and to help teachers and administrators stay on the cutting edge of any changes in the overall operations plan.

The National Weather Service, Tennessee Emergency Management Agency and other public safety agencies aid in preparedness and alerting systems.

For additional information, contact Bradley County Emergency Management Agency at 728-7289.