The start of March means the start of Severe Weather Awareness month here in Kentucky.
To help kick it off, a tornado drill was held Tuesday morning at schools across the state.

National Weather Service officials say with spring just around the corner, comes the increased likelihood of having severe weather, and that is why they say it is important to be prepared.

“Teachers at this time we need to proceed to our positioning for a tornado drill.”

Students at L.B.J Elementary file into hallways and inner classrooms for a tornado drill.

“In case a tornado did happen to come by, we would want the kids to know exactly what to do to be safe,” said Alonzo Fugate, the technology resource teacher at LBJ.

“It protects us from severe storms that may be coming and it shows us that it could help save lives,” said Fifth Grader Abby Hays.

“Teach them when they're young and then the kids can take that home to their parents and say hey, ‘do we have a plan, can we get something worked out?’” said Brian Schoettmer, Meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

He says knowing what to do when tornadoes or severe weather strike is crucial.

“If you can't go underground go to an interior room, such as a closet or bathroom. Try to keep as many walls between you and outside as possible,” he said.

He also says those living in mobile homes should seek shelter elsewhere. If you are caught on the road, get out of the vehicle and get to a low lying area like a ditch. Schoettmer also suggests investing in a weather radio, which broadcasts severe weather watches and warnings.

“It's been an active year so far and all indications are that's going to continue,” he said.

He says you can find safety tips on the National Weather Service web site.