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Severe Weather and Outdoor Warning Sirens. DUPAGE COUNTY OUTDOOR WARNING SIRENS. Emergency Siren Sound Siren Activation Siren Testing. EMERGENCY SIREN SOUND. 3 – 5 minute steady tone It’s one tool used to warn of severe weather You might not hear them if indoors.
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DUPAGE COUNTY OUTDOOR WARNING SIRENS • Emergency Siren Sound • Siren Activation • Siren Testing
EMERGENCY SIREN SOUND • 3 – 5 minute steady tone • It’s one tool used to warn of severe weather • You might not hear them if indoors
SIRENS ARE ACTIVATED WHEN • Confirmed sighting of a tornado, headed for the community, by a trained weather spotter • National Weather Service issues a tornado warning for the community. • Reports of significant storm damage secondary to life-threatening winds.
SIREN TESTING • Siren Testing • 1st Tuesday of the month at 10:00 a.m.
Weather Emergency Sirens • Severe Thunderstorm Watch vs. Warning • Tornado Watch vs. Warning • What Should I Do When Siren Sounds? • Is There an “ALL CLEAR?” • Seek Shelter – Seek Information
SEVERE THUNDERSTORMSWatch vs. Warning • Severe Thunderstorm Watch : Conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms. • Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Indicates an immediate danger to those in the path of the storm.
Severe ThunderstormsWhat You Should Do • Seek Safe Shelter • Monitor an all-hazards/NOAA weather radio and local forecast • Know the Dangers • All thunderstorms are dangerous • Dangers include lightning, tornadoes, strong winds, hail, and flash flooding
TORNADO WATCH VS. WARNING • Tornado Watch: Conditions are right for a tornado to develop. • Tornado Warning: a tornado has been sighted or indicated by radar. • Take cover immediately!!
Pay Attention to the Weather! • Watch the sky • Dark or greenish sky • Dark, low-lying clouds, especially if rotating • Large hail • Loud roar like a freight train If you see any of these -Take shelter!
When the Sirens Sound • Seek Shelter Immediately • Do NOT call 911 for information • 911 lines must remain open so police, EMS, and fire departments can respond where needed. • Only call 911 if you have an emergency to report.
SEEK SHELTER • Inside: • Go to basement or lowest building level. • Stay close to the most interior wall & away from windows. • Outside or in a vehicle or mobile home: • Go to the lowest floor of the nearest sturdy building. • If you’re not close to a building, lie flat in a ditch or depression & cover your head. • Watch out for flying debris.
IS THERE AN ALL CLEAR? • There is NO All Clear! • The emergency is NOT over when the sirens stop. • Multiple siren activations means imminent, life-threatening impact.
SEEK INFORMATION • Once you are in a safe place, turn on TV, local radio, or an all-hazards/NOAA weather radio. • It is not safe to leave shelter until the warning expires. • Be prepared in case another warning is issued.
Summary • Sirens are one tool to alert the public • Take personal responsibility • Watch the sky. • GO inside when you hear sirens. • Get an all-hazards/NOAA weather radio for emergency updates. • Don’t call 911 unless you have an emergency to report • Be prepared - have a plan • Know where to take shelter. • Keep an emergency kit in your shelter area.
More Information • National Weather Service • www.weather.gov • DuPage County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management • www.protectdupage.org • Ready Illinois • www.ready.illinois.gov • Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) • www.ready.gov