Boone County Commission News Release

Annual Statewide Tornado Drill on March 5, 2025, as Part of Severe Weather Preparedness Week

COLUMBIA, Mo. (March 4, 2025) - The National Weather Service and the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency have designated March 3-7, 2025, as Severe Weather Preparedness Week. The Boone County Office of Emergency Management (BCOEM) encourages schools, businesses, organizations, and households to participate by discussing severe weather safety and preparedness throughout the week.

BCOEM will take part in the Annual Statewide Tornado Drill at 11:00 a.m. on March 5, weather permitting. During this drill, NOAA Weather Radios will be activated, and Boone County's outdoor warning sirens will sound.

"Preparing for tornadoes and severe storms is a year-round priority," said Chris Kelley, Director of Boone County Emergency Management. "This drill is an excellent opportunity for schools, businesses, and the public to fine-tune their emergency procedures and stay a step ahead of the weather."

The Statewide Tornado Drill will replace the regularly scheduled outdoor warning siren test (originally planned for 12:00 p.m. on March 5). In the event of inclement weather, the siren test will be rescheduled.

Anyone who believes a siren is not operating correctly is encouraged to contact BCOEM at 573-554-7900.

To learn more about the outdoor warning siren system, visit the BCOEM website at:
https://www.showmeboone.com/oem/resources/sirens.asp

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