ST. CLAIRSVILLE — Cumberland Trail Fire District will be participating in a statewide tornado drill at 9:50 a.m. today.

Area schools are also asked to participate to provide crucial information needed for younger students in case of an emergency.

“Severe weather can impact Ohio at any time of the year, and Severe Weather Awareness Week is a great time to learn about severe weather and how to prepare for it,” Gov. Mike DeWine said in a news release. “Being prepared ahead of a disaster is one of the most important things you can do to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.”

DeWine added that residents are encouraged to participate in the drill and practice their emergency sheltering plans.

“Ohio counties may use this time to sound and test their outdoor warning sirens and mass notification systems. Schools, households, and businesses are also encouraged to practice their tornado drills and emergency plans,” he said.

The city of St. Clairsville will be testing its tornado sirens today. Councilwoman Terra Butler added that a Code Red telephone alert will be issued prior to the test to inform residents that the sounding of the siren is just a drill.

“We can post all we want to on social media, but some people don’t have (accounts),” Butler said.

Councilwoman Kristi Lipscomb added that the Code Red alert was a good idea because the recent weather around the Ohio Valley has been abnormally windy.

Cumberland Trail Fire District Chief Tim Hall said that he recommends all residents to sign up for the code red alerts but especially residents who do not reside near a tornado siren.

Once signed up the residents will receive notifications on their home telephone or smartphone depending on whichever they prefer.

“They can get text and or phone calls, not only weather alerts, but other things going on in the community,” Hall said. “I’m a huge advocate of people going to the website and signing up for those alerts.”

The website, Hall is referring to is the the Belmont County 9-1-1’s website at belmontcounty911.com.

He then praised Belmont County 9-1-1 Director Bryan Minder and the entire staff at the Belmont County 9-1-1 center for educating residents of the community on how to respond during an emergency.

In addition to the drill, it is important for residents to know the difference between a tornado watch and warning.

According to the National Weather Service, a tornado watch means conditions are right to make tornadoes possible in the area and to be prepared in the event of a tornado.

A tornado warning means a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar and there is imminent danger to life and property.

People should take shelter when a tornado warning is issued.