When most people think of hazardous weather in florida, they think of hurricanes. But this week, school kids are getting a lesson in what tornadoes can do. Many schools in our area participated in a state wide tornado drill this morning as part of Hazardous Weather Awareness Week. February is the start of tornado season in North Central Florida.

"it forms from black clouds."

"it's wind blowing in circles."

"that sucks up stuff"

Kids at Littlewood Elementary in Gainesville know an awful lot about tornadoes, and today their knowledge was put to the test during a state wide tornado drill. Now we may not live in Kansas, but tornadoes are not out the question here.

"we're now entering the time of year where we're more likely going to experience tornadoes," says Danny Hinson of Alachua County Emergency Management.

And the kids are getting ready.

"You should be protected and not panic because if you panicked sometimes it doesn't work," says second grader Ayla Babanikos.

"I would go in my bathroom," says second grader Anna Burton.

Today was just practice, but everyone acted as it were the real thing, because tornadoes can strike without notice. That's when Hinson says a weather radio can be handy.

"We don't get the warnings like were able to prepare the public in advance of like a hurricane, so you don't know when they are going to strike, says Hinson.

" "it's scary," says Anna Burton.

Scared or not, the kids are preparing for all types of weather, especially during the upcoming months.

"Its our responsibility as parents to teach our kids what's going on. If they know in advance what's going on, if they know in advance, hey, it's a weather warning, let's listen and see what it's all about, it going to get their attention," says Hinson.

And Hinson hopes drills like this one will make a difference when the weather makes a turn for the worse.

For more information on how you and your family can be prepared for the weather during the upcoming months just go to the links section of our website.