Severe weather doesn't wait, and neither does Wake County. Employees at the Emergency Services Education Center will participate in this week's statewide tornado drill to ensure they know what to do in the event of a disaster. Residents are encouraged to take time to think about their own readiness this Severe Weather Preparedness Week.
"None of us want to think about severe weather striking our community," said Wake County Commissioner Safiyah Jackson. "But taking just a few minutes to prepare today can make all the difference in protecting you and your family when it matters most."
Severe Weather Preparedness Week runs from Sunday, March 1, through Saturday, March 7.
Media Availability: Tornado Drill
As part of Severe Weather Preparedness Week, a statewide tornado drill will be held at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 4. The National Weather Service will broadcast the drill over NOAA weather radio stations and the Emergency Alert System. Wake County is encouraging employees and residents to participate.
Media are invited to join Wake County Emergency Management, Wake County Health and Human Services, North Carolina Emergency Management and the National Weather Service for the drill at the Emergency Services Education Center.
Reporters are asked to arrive and set up by 9:15 a.m., and the drill will take place at 9:30 a.m.
The Emergency Services Education Center is located at 221 S. Rogers Lane in Raleigh. Parking will be available in the main lot.
Following the drill, interview opportunities will be available with the following:
- Autumn Miller, outreach, training and exercise manager, Wake County Emergency Management.
- Brian Haines, public information officer, North Carolina Emergency Management.
- Representative from the National Weather Service – Raleigh.
Please RSVP to Victoria.Gonzalez@wake.gov.
Staying Prepared
In 2025, the National Weather Service recorded 16 tornadoes, and impacts from Tropical Storm Chantal brought historic and catastrophic flash flooding to the Triangle and surrounding areas.
Severe weather events such as tornadoes are inevitable, which is why Wake County Emergency Management officials recommend using the following safety tips:
- Sign up for ReadyWake alerts. You can choose to receive notifications about local emergencies via phone, text or email.
- Have a family emergency plan in place so all members feel prepared during a disaster. Helpful planning tips are available at readywake.com.
- Know the terms: “Watch” means that conditions are right for a tornado. “Warning” means a tornado has been spotted – take shelter immediately.
- Know where to go during a tornado. The safest place to shelter from a tornado is a basement or interior room, away from windows.
- If you are outdoors or driving when a warning is issued, you should never stay in your vehicle or try to outrun a tornado. Do not shelter under an overpass or a bridge. Seek shelter indoors if possible or take cover in a low-lying flat area.
- Following a storm, beware of danger from debris. Wear sturdy shoes, long sleeves and gloves when walking. Be aware of exposed power or gas lines, broken glass and exposed nails.
More information on severe weather and emergency preparedness can be found at readync.gov.
