(Natonal Weather Service)-- Each year the U.S. experiences killer tornadoes that can claim lives. Preparedness makes a difference, where your active participation in Nebraska’s Severe Weather Awareness Week can help save lives. Weather safety information contained in the web link above is a resource to communicate and promote severe weather safety in Nebraska. The page provides access to the 2014 Nebraska Severe Weather Awareness Packet, Wednesday’s tornado drill, and weather safety information to include program information for NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards. Additionally, theme driven Public Service Announcements are provided below to help prepare Nebraskan’s for impacts associated with severe weather.

The statewide Tornado Drill will be held on Wednesday, March 25th between 10 a.m. CDT/9 a.m. MDT and 11a.m. CDT/10 a.m. MDT. The tornado drill sequence begins with a Test Tornado Watch issued by the Storm Prediction Center at 10 a.m. CDT. The Test Tornado Watch will be followed by Test Tornado Warnings issued by the six Weather Forecast offices that serve Nebraska. In western and north central Nebraska, refer to the online timeline ‘Tornado Drill’ sequence for more details. The National Weather Service encourages the public, businesses and schools to practice their readiness during the statewide tornado drill on Wednesday, March 25th.

The National Weather Service offices will transmit a Special Message through the Emergency Alert System (EAS) on Wednesday. Because of the test format of this message, it may or may not activate on certain NOAA Weather Radios or local media stations. In such situations, the drill sequence is available to use to complete the tornado drill.

Your participation is extremely appreciated. Please feel free to contact me for additional information on Nebraska’s Severe Weather Awareness Week from March 23rd to 27th.