School to conduct severe weather drill

By Sandy Morris

As Shackelford County begins to throw off the blankets and move from winter into spring, preparations are being made for severe weather that often accompanies warmer temperatures. 

School Drill

Students at Nancy Smith Elementary School will practice their severe weather preparedness next week.

According to NSES principal John Gallagher, a tornado drill will be held on campus during the day on Tuesday, March 9.

Typically, the drill is not scheduled at a set time so administrators can see how well the staff and students are prepared.

“We are dedicated to the safety and success of all students,” said Gallagher. “We routinely practice safety drills to keep both staff and students alert in times of emergency.”

SkyWarn Training

The National Weather Service (NWS), with the help of local organizations, conducts SkyWarn classes each spring. 

According to Albany Volunteer Fire Department chief Kyle Tischler, an upcoming class will be offered locally.

“The NWS will be holding a storm spotter webinar with the fire department,” Tischler said.
We are inviting any members of the public who are interested to attend the class.”

The live webinar will be held at the Albany fire station at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, March 15. 

The class is free of charge and will last approximately one to one and a half hours. 

For more information on the class, contact Tischler at 325-721-0917. 

Be Weather Ready

When severe weather threatens West Central Texas, the NWS closely coordinates with local emergency managers, volunteer fire fighters, law enforcement officials, Skywarn storm spotters, storm chasers, and the media to help keep the public safe.

People can help protect themselves by being “weather ready” before a warning is issued by using the safety information found at the following government websites: www.weather.gov/safety and www.weather.gov/Owlie.