South Carolina holds statewide tornado drill to test safety plans

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – The South Carolina Emergency Management Division is conducting a statewide tornado drill on Friday.

Organizers say public schools, state and local management, the South Carolina Broadcasters Association, and others will participate in the annual event.

The purpose of this drill is to test communication systems, safety procedures, and mitigation processes.

The drill was originally scheduled Wednesday, March 6, but was postponed due to severe weather.

The South Carolina Emergency Management Division released the following instructions for the drill:

• When at home – get indoors to a pre-designated shelter area such as a basement, storm cellar, or the lowest building level. If there is not a basement, go to the center of an interior room on the lowest level away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls.
• When at office, hospital, skyscraper – go directly to an enclosed, windowless area in the center of the building – away from glass and on the lowest floor. Crouch down and cover your head. Interior stairwells are good places to take shelter. Stay off of elevators
• When at school – Follow the drill. Go to the interior hall or windowless room in an orderly way. Crouch low, head down, and protect the back of your head with your arms. Stay away from windows and large open rooms.