COOPER COUNTY, MO. -- As emergency crews continue to clean up tornado ravaged cities in the southern part of our nation, health and emergency officials from 13 Mid-Missouri counties prepare for a twister in our backyard.

Authorities held a full-scale tornado exercise at the Cooper County Fairgrounds.

Local emergency and health officials pretended a tornado hit Cooper County near Boonville.  Authorities set up a base camp that included 2 new emergency tents.  In an actual emergency, health workers will use these tents to give tetanus shots to tornado victims and emergency responders.

Audrain City-County Health Unit Director Kevin Lowrance said, “Having a tent that we can use on a regional basis is just a wonderful asset.  We can go and set up any place we need to.”

Authorities practiced operating a portable electricity generator.  The exercise also included training on radio communications during a tornado emergency.

Cole County Health Director Marie Peoples said, “This is a 13 county tornado drill.  It’s incredibly important, especially in light of recent events that have happened across the Midwest.  We can never plan too much for a tornado.”

Health and emergency officials at the drill plan to share the information they learned at the exercise with their co-workers.  They also suggest that you prepare for natural disasters at your home.

Boone County Health Department Spokeswoman Geni Alexander said, “We encourage families to always have a plan whether it be for severe weather, winter weather or tornadoes.  You should always have a plan.  Know what you are going to do.  Know how you are going to protect your family.”

March through May is typically tornado season, but twisters can happen anytime and any where.

If you would like information on how you can prepare for an emergency at your home, you can click on the link below.