LEXINGTON, Ky. — Students and teachers at Garrett Elementary school in Lexington joined others across the commonwealth for the statewide tornado drill. 

What You Need To Know

  • Fayette County Public Schools take on the statewide tornado drill on March 1 

  • March 1 - 7 marks severe weather awareness week in Kentucky

  • The National Weather Service says that tornado sirens are meant for outdoor warnings only and recommends having multiple ways to receive alerts

  • The teachers took on another initiative in support of Read Across America by dressing down for wellness Wednesday — encouraging self-preservation and mindfulness during the day of weather prep

It’s a drill that many know well and Garrett Morgan Elementary school says that practice is the key. 

March 1 marks the start of the weeklong reminder for severe weather awareness across the state and schools with Fayette County Public Schools took part in the statewide tornado drill Wednesday.

Garrett Morgan Elementary Assistant Principal LeeAnn Lewellen helped guide the students and staff through the practice and says it’s imperative to prevent extra concerns for the students.

“It is important to be prepared for lots of different situations because when you’re prepared, you don’t have an overreaction when there is a real situation,” Lewellen explained. 

However, when it comes to preparing for severe weather threats, she and her students know just what to do to keep everyone safe.

“We have practiced this all year, so this is not something new to the children and we had a real-life event earlier this year so this is maybe something routine for them,” Lewellen said. 

So, when the clock struck 10:07 a.m., teachers and students exited their classes to a secure location and form a safe position. 

Schools in Lexington regularly practice tornado, fire and other severe weather drills. (Spectrum News 1/Sabriel Metcalf)

Fourth grade teacher Malika Feck says she and her students even discuss how they can make the process better. 

“So they were able to put that practice into work and they did amazing. We were even able to debrief after. We talked about ways that we can make things run smoother, things that we learn and how drills are going to keep us safe.” feck said. 

She believes practice makes perfect and encourages her students with a few helpful tips. “Whether you’re preparing for a drill to stay safe or a big test, just do your best and follow directions and you’ll do great,” she said. 

With a severe weather season around the corner for Kentuckians, students and teachers at Garrett Morgan Elementary will be ready with a plan. 

The National Weather Service says that people can better prepare for severe weather following these tips: knowing that tornado sirens are meant for outdoor warnings only, having multiple ways to receive alerts in case you’re inside and knowing that a warning means to be prepared and a watch means to take action.

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