TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas emergency managers are conducting a statewide tornado drill to prepare residents for the spring storm season and reinforce the need to be prepared.

The drill was scheduled for Tuesday afternoon as part of the state’s severe weather awareness week.

Angee Morgan, of the Kansas Emergency Management Division, says the state had 56 tornadoes last year — the first on April 7 and the last on Aug. 13.

Morgan says residents, schools and businesses are encouraged to use Tuesday’s drill to check procedures for responding to severe weather, including making sure emergency kits are stocked and response plans are in place.