Severe Weather Awareness Week March 15-21, 2026

Statewide Tornado Drill held March 18th at 9:50 a.m.

COLUMBUS – Franklin County Emergency Management and Homeland Security (FCEM&HS) will recognize Severe Weather Awareness Week, March 15–21, 2026, encouraging residents to take time now to prepare for severe weather that can develop quickly and without any warning. From strong storms to tornadoes, being ready ahead of time can make a critical difference in keeping families and communities safe.

As part of the week’s activities, FCEM&HS invites the community to participate in the annual Ohio Statewide Tornado Drill on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at 9:50 a.m.  At that time, the Franklin County Outdoor Warning Sirens will sound for three minutes using a longer tone than the routine Wednesday noon test. This tone is the same alert used during an actual tornado warning. The drill provides a valuable opportunity for residents, schools, and businesses to review and practice their emergency plans and ensure everyone knows where to go and what to do when severe weather strikes.  The drill will take place instead of the regular Wednesday noon siren test. 

"Severe Weather Awareness Week reminds us that preparedness saves lives. Taking the time now to understand the weather terms, make a plan, and ensure you have reliable ways to receive emergency alerts can make all the difference. Although we can't control the weather, we can control how ready we are," said Jeffrey J. Young, Director of Franklin County Emergency Management & Homeland Security. 

Residents are encouraged to have multiple ways to receive emergency alerts. While outdoor warning sirens may sometimes be heard indoors, they are intended to warn people who are outside. To receive alerts while indoors, residents should rely on tools such as a NOAA Weather Radio and wireless emergency alerts, including AlertFranklinCounty.org.

FCEM&HS activates the outdoor warning siren system by zones when the National Weather Service (NWS) issues a Tornado Warning for Franklin County. This allows the system to align with the polygons issued by the NWS or the actual location of tornadic activity more closely in the area. The sirens will be activated if the county zone is within the NWS issued polygon. During a tornado warning, the sirens will sound for three minutes, followed by seven minutes of silence. This sequence will be repeated until the warning is canceled.

To prepare for all types of severe weather, including tornadoes and flooding, follow these essential safety procedures:

Know the Risk – Learn and understand the different types of weather hazards facing Franklin County.  The top hazards can be found on the agency website at www.fcemhs.org.

Know the Weather Terms – Know the difference between a watch and a warning. A tornado watch is issued when conditions are favorable for the development of a tornado in and close to the area. A tornado warning is issued when a tornado has been detected by radar or sighted by storm spotters.

Have a Plan - Develop and practice an emergency plan with your family and include your pets. Know how you will communicate and have a designated safe meeting place. 

Build a Kit - Build an emergency supply kit.  Be sure to include enough food, water, and other supplies in sufficient quantity for each member of your household including your pets to last for at least 72 hours.  

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