KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) - Missourians are being encouraged to participate in a statewide tornado drill next week as part of the state's Severe Weather Awareness Week.
The 37th annual event will be conducted by the National Weather Service, State Emergency Management Agency and local emergency management offices.
The drill is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on March 8 but will be pushed back to March 10 if the state is experiencing severe weather conditions.
The National Weather Service says there were 65 tornadoes in the state last year, including an outbreak on Dec. 31 that killed five people and hurt 13 others.
Officials encourage residents who hear the warning sirens to practice seeking shelter. The drill is complete once everyone is accounted for in the designated shelters.