Severe Weather Preparedness Week: Tornado drill and Alerts test March 4

K-State's Office of Emergency Management invites you to participate in the National Weather Service's Severe Weather Preparedness Week, March 2-6, by reviewing your department's preparedness plans and emergency kits, and taking part in an upcoming tornado drill.

As part of the week, the university will test the K-State Alerts system following the statewide tornado drill at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 4. K-State sirens and the K-State Alerts system will be activated, and Riley, Saline and Johnson counties will participate in the drill.

The university participates in the drill as an opportunity to both test our on-campus alert systems and to provide weather safety and education information to students, faculty and staff. The drill will be broadcast on  NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards, as well as local news and radio stations.

K-Staters are invited to review the following preparedness topics for the week:

Monday: Preparedness

Preparedness starts today. Review your emergency plans and update your emergency kit. Ensure you know how you will receive weather alerts and where you will go if severe weather threatens your area.

Resources

• K-State Safe
• K-State Emergency Response Guides
• Ready.gov preparedness information

Preparedness begins before severe weather develops. Take time to review your emergency supplies and understand how you will receive alerts.

Tuesday: Flood Safety

Turn Around, Don’t Drown. Know your risk. Is your home, office or classroom in a floodplain? Could your usual travel route be impacted?

Resources

• NWS Flood Safety Tips
• Ready.gov Flood Guide

Wednesday: Tornado Safety

Kansas averages 95 tornadoes each year, with peak season between April and June. Participate in the 10 a.m. drill and identify the nearest severe weather shelter or safest location near your workplace or home.

Resources

• NWS Tornado Safety
• Ready.gov Tornado Guide

Thursday: Hail and Wind Safety

Severe thunderstorms can produce damaging winds and large hail that impact trees, homes and vehicles. Understand the risks and protective actions before storms develop.

Resources

NWS Severe Thunderstorm Safety

Friday: Lightning Safety

Lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times each year and causes an average of 47 deaths annually. Every lightning strike has the potential to be deadly.

Resources

• NWS Lightning Safety Tips and Resources
• Ready.gov Thunderstorms and Lightning

For additional historical severe weather information, view the  NWS 2026 Kansas Severe Weather Awareness Information Packet.