Belvoir joins Commonwealth for statewide tornado drills

Tornadoes, the most violent natural hazard, are rotating, funnel-shaped clouds formed from thunderstorms. They can have wind gusts up to 300 mph and can cut a swath of damage a mile wide.
Generally, tornadoes occur between March and August, and between noon and midnight, but, can hit at any time of the year and at any time of the day. According to the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, no part of Virginia is immune from tornadoes.
To encourage everyone to practice tornado safety at home, at work and at school, Gov. Bob McDonnell has declared Tuesday as "Tornado Preparedness Day." On that date, schools, businesses, organizations and families may participate in a statewide tornado drill, which is a joint effort of VDEM and the National Weather Service.
Fort Belvoir takes part by activating its mass warning notification system, also known as Giant Voice, at 9:45 a.m. The tornado warning message will use the following sequence:
1. "Exercise, Exercise, Exercise."
2. You will hear a five second alert tone.
3. A two second pause
4. "Tornado warning"
5. Two second pause
6. "Take cover immediately"
7. Two second pause
8. "Tornado warning"
9. Two second pause
10. "Attention"
11. Two second pause
12. "Tornado warning"
13. Two second pause
14. "Take cover immediately"
15. Two second pause
16. "Tornado warning"
Once the drill is complete, an "all clear" message and an announcement concluding the drill will be announced.
How to prepare for a tornado
Stay informed and know tornado terminology. A tornado watch means weather conditions are favorable for a tornado to develop. Stay tuned to the radio or TV for more information and further instructions.
A tornado warning means a tornado has been spotted. Take shelter immediately.
Identify places in your home and at work to take shelter in case of a tornado. A storm shelter or basement provides the best protection. Otherwise, choose an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible.
If planning a trip outdoors, listen to the latest forecasts and take necessary action if threatening weather is possible.
Get an emergency supply kit, make a family emergency plan, and have frequent tornado drills
What to do during a tornado
At home:
• Go at once to a windowless interior room, storm cellar or basement; or the lowest level of the building.
• Get under and hold onto a piece of sturdy furniture like a workbench, heavy table or desk.
• Use your arms to protect your head and neck.
• Get out and find shelter elsewhere if in a mobile home.
At work:
• Go to the basement or to an inside hallway at the lowest level.
• Avoid places with wide-span roofs like auditoriums, cafeterias or large hallways.
• Get under a piece of sturdy furniture and use your arms to protect your head and neck.
Outside:
• Get inside if possible.
• If shelter is not available or there is no time to get indoors, lie in a ditch or low-lying area and use your arms to protect your head and neck.
In a vehicle:
• Never try to outrun a tornado.
• Get in a ditch or low-lying area away from your vehicle. Be aware of the potential for flooding.
Actions to consider after a tornado
• Check for injuries and provide first aid to others, if needed.
• Watch out for broken glass, fallen power lines, and do not enter damaged areas until told it is safe to do so.
• Do not use candles or an open flame; combustibles may be present.
• Use caution when entering a damaged building.
• Report your status to someone or to your chain of command if you are military or government civilian employee, spouse, or parent as your situation applies.

You can find additional information at the following Web sites:
• Ready Army - ready.army.mil
• American Red Cross - redcross.org
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - bt.cdc.gov/disasters/tornadoes/
• Department of Homeland Security - ready.gov/america/beinformed/tornadoes.html
• Federal Emergency Management Agency - fema.gov/hazard/tornado/index.shtm
Sumter is an emergency management specialist with Belvoir's Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security.