RICHMOND, Va. — Gov. Bob McDonnell is encouraging everyone to participate in a statewide tornado drill in March.

McDonnell on Thursday proclaimed March 12 as Tornado Preparedness Day.

At 9:45 a.m. on that day, NOAA Weather Radio will broadcast a test warning from the National Weather Service. The test warning will then be aired by television and radio stations.

When the test warning is heard, McDonnell says people should move to a safe area, such as a basement, bathroom or closet on the lowest level of a building.

Last year, 11 tornadoes struck Virginia, injuring six people and causing $3 million in property damage.

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