FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

UNIVERSITY PLANNING TORNADO DRILL FOR MARCH 7

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., March 1, 2002 -- A tornado drill exercise is being planned for 3 p.m. March 7 on the campus of Southeast Missouri State University.

This drill will be Southeast's fourth interactive exercise and is an important part of the campus emergency preparedness effort, said Beth Glaus, emergency plan coordinator at Southeast Missouri State.

The drill will begin with a three-minute steady siren of the University's outdoor siren system. When the siren sounds, building occupants should move quickly and calmly to the lower level or interior hallways of the building, away from windows, Glaus said.

After the siren sounds, another eight- to 10-minute period will elapse as occupants seek cover. The drill will conclude with all clear public address voice messages.

In the event of severe weather or the threat of severe weather, the drill will be postponed until a later date, she said.

For more information about the upcoming tornado drill, please call Glaus in the Department of Public Safety at (573) 651-2963 or e-mail baglaus@semo.edu.