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OTTUMWA, IOWA -- Do not be alarmed when you hear tornado sirens Wednesday. Wapello County will be participating in a statewide tornado drill Wednesday morning at 10:15.

Many schools and assisted living facilities will also be using the day to test their preparations, something emergency management officials think everyone should do.

“Well, everyone should have a plan. And if you don't have a plan, you should develop one. There's a lot of websites out there that will help you think about what you need to do and what the safest place in your house is.  And what kind of supplies you need if that does occur, whether its water or emergency contact information. A lot of folks have prescriptions they need to think about,” says Josh Stevens, emergency management coordinator for Wapello County.

Stevens said it’s a smart idea to run through your family’s plan a few times a year so everyone is on the same page.

If there is any type of severe weather the day of a scheduled drill, it will be rescheduled for a different day as to not confuse or alarm anyone.