Maryland residents are being encouraged to participate in the Great Maryland Twister Test on Wednesday, April 9, at 10 a.m., as part of the state’s annual Severe Storms Awareness Week. Coordinated by the Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM), the National Weather Service (NWS), and other partners, the tornado preparedness drill aims to reinforce the importance of knowing what to do when a tornado warning is issued.
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At 10 a.m., the NWS will issue a special message over NOAA Weather Radios to signal the start of the drill. The message will be preceded by a Required Monthly Test (RMT) code, which may not trigger some weather radios and will not activate Wireless Emergency Alerts on mobile phones. The drill is open to participation by schools, businesses, community organizations, and individuals, all of whom are urged to practice moving to a safe location when a tornado warning is in effect. Those unable to join the drill at the scheduled time are encouraged to practice at a more convenient time.
Participants are reminded to move to a safe shelter immediately upon receiving a warning—ideally a basement, storm cellar, or small, interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Windows and outside walls should be avoided, and people are advised to use their arms, pillows, or cushions to protect their head and neck from flying debris. If staying home is not possible, plans should be made to use a public shelter. Official sources such as NOAA Weather Radio, local news, and emergency management social media should be monitored for updated information.
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Tornadoes remain a threat in Maryland, occurring nearly every year and occasionally resulting in fatalities. These storms can develop rapidly and produce destructive winds between 80 and 200 miles per hour. Though more common in warmer months and during afternoon hours, tornadoes can occur at any time of day or year when conditions are favorable. To help schools prepare, the Maryland State Department of Education and the Maryland Center for School Safety have issued guidance for conducting tornado drills and identifying safe areas within school buildings.
This year’s Severe Storms Awareness Week campaign emphasizes the theme “Don’t Get Caught in the Storm – Be MdReady.” Residents are urged to take advantage of tools like the MdReady WebApp and the state’s multilingual text alert systems. Alerts are available in English, Spanish, and more than 180 additional languages, providing accessible emergency information to all Marylanders.
Article by multiple RFHC contributors, based upon information from the Maryland Department of Emergency Management.
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