A statewide tornado drill will be conducted for South Dakota by the National Weather Service between 9:00 and 9:30 am MDT (10:00 and 10:30 am CDT) on Wednesday, April 25. Because the exercise is used to ensure communications and warning systems are functioning properly before storm season, people will see and hear the alerts used for tornadoes. Outdoor warning sirens will be sounded in many towns. The sirens may not be heard inside homes and office buildings, as they are intended to alert people who are outdoors away from radio or TV. The drill will also include activation of the Emergency Alert System, which will interrupt local media broadcasts. The public should be aware that the scroll on television will look like a real warning, while the audio will be identified as a test. Local emergency response agencies may practice their response procedures and schools will conduct safety drills for their students. Individuals do not need to take any action during the drill, but they are encouraged to make plans to protect themselves and their families before storms develop. Don’t wait until the storm is headed toward you as there won’t be time. Information about storm safety is available from county emergency management offices or visit the following web sites: The Rapid City National Weather Service at www.weather.gov/rapidcity Black Hills Chapter of the American Red Cross at www.blackhillsredcross.org and the South Dakota Department of Health at www.bReadySD.com.