Chas: Schools participate in statewide tornado dri

[Editor]

This just in from Charles County Public Schools...

Schools participate in statewide tornado drill

Students and staff at all Charles County Public Schools will take shelter Wednesday as part of a statewide tornado drill.Students across the county will participate in the second of two annual severe weather/tornado drills required by Charles County Public Schools. The statewide tornado drill will occur at 9:45 a.m., and students and staff will practice as if there is an actual tornado warning. The drill will last a maximum of 15 minutes, and schools will return to a normal school day.The severe weather/tornado drills are among several conducted twice annually in the public schools. Students also participate in lockdown, shelter-in-place and bus evacuation drills. Additionally, each school conducts a monthly fire drill as part of Charles County Public Schools emergency preparedness plans.Last year, Maryland had 27 tornadoes, which was a record number. This month, Charles County and the town of La Plata are observing the tenth anniversary of the April 28, 2002, tornado that ripped through La Plata and nearby towns. The 2002 tornado had an intensity of F4, the second-highest intensity considered possible.The National Weather Service and the Maryland Emergency Management Agency are encouraging Wednesday's tornado drill. The test will be issued over the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio at each school. Charles County Public Schools provides 26,700 students in grades prekindergarten through 12 with an academically challenging education. Located in Southern Maryland, Charles County Public Schools has 35 caring community schools that offer a technological advanced, progressive and high quality education that builds character, equips for leadership and prepares students for life, careers and higher education.

Read More on the Charles County Public Schools Web site...