The National Weather Service designated the week of March 24-28 as Severe Weather Awareness Week — but because that was the week of UNL’s spring break, the annual campus-wide tornado warning drill will take place at about 10:15 a.m. April 2, officials said.

This date and time coincides with the monthly tornado warning system test.

All students, faculty and staff are encouraged to participate in the tornado drill. It is an opportunity for students, faculty and staff to practice safety measures by moving to appropriate shelter areas.

At about 10:15 a.m. April 2, sirens will be sounded by Lincoln-Lancaster County Emergency Management. Amplified Voice Systems will announce a tornado warning, a UNL alert will be issued with a tornado drill message via text and email and campus digital signage will display the UNL Alert message. In an actual warning, students, faculty and staff would take shelter until the warning is allowed to expire by the National Weather Service.

The duration of the April 2 UNL Tornado Drill will be 15 minutes from the time of notification. The test will be conducted as long as temperatures at the time of the test are above freezing and there is no actual severe weather in the forecast.

For more information on how to prepare for severe weather and to stay informed about campus emergencies, visit webpages explaining UNL’s tornado warning policy; emergency procedures in case of a tornado; and how to sign up for UNL Alert. Also visit the the National Weather Service’s website for more information.