If you happen to be outside or listening to broadcast media this morning, don’t be surprised to hear a tornado warning / siren. As part of Severe Weather Awareness Week, the National Weather Service will be conducting a statewide tornado test around 9:15am.

The service is urging all government agencies, schools, businesses, broadcast media and emergency management agencies to participate in this important drill.

This is a good time for citizens to ensure they are prepared and know what to do when a tornado strikes. As we saw with last year’s tornado activity and in 2008 with the Windsor tornado, twisters can and do strike the Denver area. Preparation and planning are critical to ensuring you and your family remain safe.

It is perhaps most fitting that Colorado saw its first tornado of 2010 yesterday. The twister which struck in Kit Carson County 11 miles south-southwest of Bethune caused no damage. However, it serves as an important reminder.

Will you hear tornado sirens in Thornton?  Unfortunately not.  The city does not have a warning system in place.  Find out why.

Do you know what to do when a tornado strikes?  Learn what you can do to protect you and your family here.