George Mason University will conduct its Annual Tornado Drill on Tuesday, March 10, at 9:45 a.m. As part of this exercise, a notification will be distributed through Mason Alert by email and text message. This drill gives the university community an opportunity to practice tornado and severe weather response procedures.
Severe weather events, like tornados, present a recurring and potentially significant risk to university operations, personnel, students, and property. In the Northern Virginia region, hazardous weather most frequently occurs between April and October, though it can develop at any time of year. These events can intensify quickly and may require immediate protective action. Preparation ahead of time helps reduce risk, protect life and property, and support continuity of operations.
The purpose of the drill is to reinforce protective actions and strengthen campus-wide readiness. During a tornado warning, individuals should move indoors to the nearest hardened structure, use stairs to reach the lowest level, and avoid elevators. Shelter in an interior space with few or no windows and remain there until the warning has expired. Reviewing these steps in advance supports faster and more confident decision-making during an actual emergency.
The Risk, Safety and Resilience Tornado and Severe Weather Guide provides detailed information about severe weather terminology, including the difference between watches and warnings, as well as response procedures and shelter guidance. The guide also outlines lightning safety protocols, contingency planning considerations, and preparedness recommendations for both campus and home.
To ensure you receive the drill notification, confirm that your Mason Alert preferences are current and that text message alerts are enabled. Mason Alert is the primary method used to communicate urgent weather information as well as other emergency situations to the university community.
Preparedness is a shared responsibility. Your participation in the Annual Tornado Drill helps strengthen our collective readiness and supports a safer campus environment.