By Tim Cherry
Staff writer
Thursday, March 14, 2013

U.S. Army Garrison Fort Belvoir participated in Virginia’s statewide tornado drill Tuesday.

The annual exercise teaches Virginia residents what to do and how to protect themselves from tornado threats near where they work, live or play.

Listserv email messages were sent out to begin the exercise and the status for Fort Belvoir’s Facebook page was used to advise employees and residents to practice safety in case of an actual tornado touching down.

As tornado season runs from March to August, it is important to exercise proper safety procedures in the beginning of the season.

“This exercise helps make people aware of the post’s procedures in case of a tornado,” said Paul Alquisa, Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security contingency planner. “Hopefully this enables the garrison directorates, tenant and partner organizations to practice their own tornado drills. Each organization should have a weather plan in case of emergency.”

The drill began at 9:45 a.m., and the Fort Belvoir community took shelter in offices and homes.

During the drill, garrison headquarters employees sought shelter in the basement floor of Abbott Hall and received information from Alquisa about tornado safety.

He instructed employees on the difference between a watch and a warning.

Tornado Watch

A watch indicates a tornado could possibly hit an area. At that time, the community should be aware of tornado indicators, such as lightning, strong winds and hail. Members should also pay close attention to any updates from the Emergency Broadcast System or updates from Fort Belvoir through the post’s AM 1610 radio, Facebook, Twitter or Listserv email.

Tornado Warning

A warning indicates that a tornado has been sighted in the area or has been detected by the National Weather Service’s Doppler radar. People should take cover immediately when a warning is issued from one of the information sources listed above. Storm cellars and basements provide the best protection, but if underground shelter is not available, a windowless interior room, closet or hallway provides the next best alternative.

If someone is traveling in a vehicle when a tornado warning is issued, the traveler should leave the vehicle and search for shelter in a nearby building, culvert or a ditch.

Emergency Plans

Alquisa encourages everyone to have emergency supplies, with at least a first aid kit and flashlight, in their homes and vehicles. A battery or hand crank powered National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) radio, which delivers information directly from the National Weather Service, would also be handy for staying informed about weather conditions. Alquisa encourages Families to design a safety plan for tornadoes. Residents’ plans should include designated meeting places, areas of safety in the house and contact numbers.

“We want to raise awareness for the Families and individuals for their safety,” Alquisa said. “We want them to repeat this process so it becomes second nature for them. It’s their life that’s in danger.”

As furloughs loom, don’t let stress get the best of you.