Statewide tornado drills a chance to put severe weather plan into action at work, school and home

BROWN DEER -- There was a statewide tornado drill on Thursday, April 14th, and a second drill was set to take place on Thursday evening.

The afternoon tornado drill took place at 1:45 p.m.

The evening tornado drill was set to occur at 6:45 p.m.

The tornado drill, which took place during "Severe Weather Awareness Week" was a reminder that severe weather can happen, and an opportunity to think about what you should do if and when it does.

It all started with a turn of a key at Milwaukee County's Emergency Operations Center and the push of a button.

Tornado drill

Then, sirens warned those outside and inside.

Inside Pershing Elementary School in West Milwaukee, students took action when the mock tornado warning was issued at 1:45 p.m.

Pershing Elementary School

Pershing Elementary School Principal Steve Harris

"You never know when something's going to happen and we want to make sure that the students feel prepared. When parents send their children to school, they always want to make sure their children feel safe -- so we need to be on top of our game," Pershing Elementary School Principal Steve Harris said.

Teachers at Pershing Elementary School went over fire, intruder and tornado emergencies with their students in August. The tornado drill gave students a chance to put into practice what they learned.

Tornado drill at Pershing Elementary School

"I think it went great. I think the kids did a fantastic job. I think the teachers did a great job of preparing them as well," Harris said.

Most tornado touchdowns occur between 4:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.

The 6:45 p.m. tornado drill would give families a chance to practice their plan at home.