March is Severe Spring Weather Preparedness Month in Missouri because the weather transitions from snow to rain, tornadoes and flooding.

The National Weather Service, the State Emergency Management Agency and local emergency management offices will conduct the 36th annual state tornado drill at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, March 11. The weather service will initiate the drill.

The entire drill can be completed in 15 minutes.

Once Missourians hear broadcast drill messages or outdoor warning sirens, they should practice seeking shelter. The safest shelter location is an interior room without windows in the lowest level of the building. Other school or business safe locations are basements, hallways, under staircases and designated tornado safe rooms. Once everyone is accounted for, the drill is over.

For more information on Kansas and Missouri Severe Weather Awareness Week (March 8-12, 2010) visit the National Weather Service Web site.