Dayton, Ohio – The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office has announced an upcoming statewide tornado drill that will involve communities across the region.
The Montgomery County Regional Dispatch Center will take part in the Statewide Tornado Drill on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at 9:50 a.m., with the exercise expected to last approximately three minutes. Officials say the drill is part of a larger statewide effort to test emergency systems and raise public awareness about tornado safety.
Sirens to Sound Across Multiple Communities
During the drill, warning sirens will be activated in several areas throughout Montgomery County. Communities that will hear the sirens include Clayton, German Township, Germantown Township, Harrison Township, Jefferson Township, Miamisburg, Phillipsburg, Trotwood, and Washington Township.
Officials noted that this exercise is separate from the routine siren tests that take place monthly. As stated in the announcement, the drill is “in addition to normal testing done monthly on the first Monday each month at noon.”
The purpose of the statewide drill is to give residents a chance to practice what they would do in the event of a real tornado warning, while also allowing emergency systems to be tested under realistic conditions.
Authorities are reminding residents that the outdoor warning sirens serve a specific purpose and should not be relied on as the only source of information.
According to the sheriff’s office, the sirens are designed to alert people who are outside. Officials emphasized that “outdoor warning sirens are intended to alert individuals who are outdoors to seek shelter and obtain additional information through reliable sources such as weather radios, local media, or trusted weather alert apps.”
Residents are encouraged to take the drill seriously by identifying safe shelter locations and reviewing emergency plans with their families.
Emergency officials say preparedness is key during severe weather events, and drills like this help ensure that both systems and individuals are ready to respond quickly.
By participating in the statewide tornado drill, Montgomery County aims to improve awareness, reinforce safety habits, and help protect the community when severe weather strikes.
