Indiana statewide tornado drill today

As part of Severe Weather Preparedness Week, the entire state of Indiana will hold a tornado drill today at 10:15 a.m.

There's no severe weather expected Tuesday, but you'll likely hear weather sirens blaring as a test if you live in Indiana. You're encouraged to use this time to run through a tornado drill at work, school, or home.

Specifically, it's a good idea to practice your emergency plan with your family. Do you and your kids know your safe spot?

In your house, find a room with no windows and no exterior walls. Often this is a hallway, bathroom, or closet.

Basements are also safe if you have one. For apartment buildings, go to the hallway of the lowest floor in case of a tornado. This is where you'll go in case of a tornado. Make sure to also bring your pets and emergency kit.

When is it time to go to your safe spot? Let's go over the difference between a tornado watch and warning. To help make sure you never forget the difference between the two, I'm going to relate them to birdwatching.

If you heard that birds will be in your area for the day, you'd get your binoculars ready and be on standby to view them. Let's call this a "bird watch." Similarly, for a tornado watch, conditions are favorable for tornadoes to possibly form in the area. You'd watch the forecast and make sure your family is on standby.

The next stage is a warning. If you saw pesky birds nearby, you'd want to take immediate cover so they don't peck or swoop you. For a tornado warning, there has been a spotted tornado, and it is time to shelter immediately in your safe spot.

While today is just a drill, it's always good to be prepared. This way when it's an actual emergency, you and your family will know where to go.