UNMC & Nebraska Medicine Tornado Drill: Test Alert March 25th

Omaha, NE – The University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) and Nebraska Medicine will conduct a comprehensive emergency alert system test on Wednesday, March 25, at approximately 10 a.m. Central time, in coordination with the National Weather Service’s Severe Weather Awareness Week and the statewide tornado drill.

The drill aims to assess the effectiveness of the med center’s communication network and ensure preparedness for severe weather events, particularly tornadoes, common to the region during spring and summer months. Participants – including all employees, faculty, staff, and students – will receive alerts via multiple channels, including email from [email protected], voice calls from 402-559-5100, and text messages mirroring the email content. Alerts will also be displayed on digital signage, websites, computer crawlers, Voalte phones, and through the UNMC Alert app, available for download on Apple and Google Play stores.

Prior to the test, UNMC is urging individuals to log in to UNMC Alert to verify and update their contact information, ensuring timely receipt of critical notifications. Understanding the distinction between a tornado watch – indicating favorable conditions for tornado development – and a tornado warning – signifying a confirmed sighting or radar indication of a tornado – is also emphasized.

UNMC officials are encouraging all personnel to consult emergency procedures posted in classrooms and hallways to identify the nearest tornado shelter or safe area. The drill provides an opportunity to practice response protocols and identify areas for improvement in existing emergency plans. Developing both work and home communication plans, and ensuring emergency kits are up-to-date, are also recommended preparedness measures.

A computer crawler message simulating a tornado watch will appear at 9:45 a.m., followed by a tornado warning message at 10 a.m. On UNMC and Nebraska Medicine computers and Voalte phones. This sequence will be repeated at 7:45 p.m. And 8 p.m. For night shift personnel, excluding email, text, and voice call alerts. The med center notes that these alert modalities will be utilized in future emergency situations, contingent on the specific circumstances.

Following the drill, participants are asked to complete a survey via a link embedded in the initial alert email to provide feedback and contribute to ongoing refinement of the emergency response system. Emergency Management has expressed gratitude for participation in the drill and acknowledgement of Severe Weather Awareness Week.

The National Weather Service has designated March 23-27, 2026, as Severe Weather Awareness Week for Nebraska and Iowa, and is offering storm spotter training sessions.