WICHITA, KS — With severe weather season rapidly approaching, Kansans are being urged to dust off their safety plans. To ensure the state is ready for whatever spring brings, officials have scheduled a statewide tornado drill for Wednesday, March 4.
The drill is the centerpiece of Severe Weather Awareness Week, a time dedicated to educating the public on the volatile nature of Great Plains weather.
Timing and Participation
The drill is scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m. CST for the majority of the state. However, the National Weather Service (NWS) noted that for residents in far eastern Kansas, the drill will take place at 11:00 a.m. Local emergency management agencies and the NWS encourage families, schools, and businesses to use this window to practice their “duck and cover” routines.
Why Preparation Matters
KAKE Meteorologist Jay Prater emphasizes that readiness shouldn’t depend on seasonal forecasts or predicted storm frequency. According to Prater, the raw numbers don’t tell the whole story.
“The bottom line is it doesn’t matter if Kansas experiences 200 tornadoes this year or one,” Prater said. “All it takes is one that is strong to violent over a populated area to have a bad severe weather season. Every single year your preparation should be the same.”
Your Safety Checklist
Officials recommend using next Wednesday’s drill to finalize three key areas of preparation:
- The Plan: Identify your “safe spot”—ideally a basement, storm cellar, or an interior room on the lowest floor away from windows.
- The Kit: Ensure your emergency supplies are stocked, including water, non-perishable food, flashlights, and a first-aid kit.
- The Alert: Establish a reliable way to receive warnings. Experts warn against relying solely on outdoor sirens, which are designed to alert people who are already outside. Instead, use a NOAA Weather Radio or a trusted weather app on your smartphone.
