Operation Tornado came to Middle Elementary School Friday with the Storm Team from television station WJTV 12 in Jackson, giving a presentation on tornado awareness to students and teachers.
Meteorologists Grant Garland, Tiffany Shelton and Justin Burks make up the team.
With tornado season approaching, Garland suggested having a plan of action to follow or creating a safe spot to enter in the event of an approaching tornado. He detailed the rules to follow in creating a safe spot. If outside when a tornado strikes, he warned of the danger of seeking shelter under an overpass, or staying in a car.
“Never chase a storm,” he said.
Lightning and flash flooding are dangers to avoid, he emphasized.
Mississippi is in the middle of the tornado hotspot Dixie Alley. He cited a tornado that struck Philadelphia in recent years and others throughout Mississippi causing the loss of lives and major damage.
Following his presentation, he presented a film and conducted a multiple choice test for students.
Prizes of flashlights were presented to those answering questions posed by Garland as he wandered through the students seated “criss-cross applesauce” on the cafeteria floor.
In emphasizing the importance of having a safe spot, Garland invited students to take a picture of theirs and mail it to WJTV 12 News for a chance to win an iPad. Winners will be announced on WJTV 12 on May 28.
Teachers were given Operation Tornado booklets to be handed out in the classroom.
