NATCHEZ — A tornado is a dangerous force to deal with, and the Adams County Emergency Management Agency looks to have Adams County ready — just in case.

The National Weather Service in Jackson will conduct a statewide tornado drill at 9:15 a.m. Wednesday.

ACEMA will be participating with the National Weather Service during this drill by activating the county’s emergency alert systems, including outside warning sirens and code red weather warning calls.

The NWS will use the routine weekly test on NOAA weather radio to simulate an actual tornado warning.

The drill will help residents be prepared in the event of a tornado.

All residents, businesses, schools, county and city employees of Adams County are called to participate.

ACEMA director Robert Bradford said each drill could last up to 15 minutes.

“This event is county wide,” Bradford said. “We sometimes get a lot of tornado activity, especially during the fall.”

“Tornadoes are the No.1 weather related killer across the state,” Bradford said. “We have to be prepared for that.”

Following the drill, ACEMA will continue to test all warning sirens on the first Wednesday of every month at 11 a.m.

Bradford said residents should not panic or call local emergency agencies during the drill.