Severe Weather and Outdoor Warning Sirens DUPAGE COUNTY

Severe Weather and Outdoor Warning Sirens

DUPAGE COUNTY OUTDOOR WARNING SIRENS Ø Emergency Siren Sound Ø Siren Activation Ø Siren Testing 2

EMERGENCY SIREN SOUND Ø 3 – 5 minute steady tone Ø It’s one tool used to warn of severe weather Ø You might not hear them if indoors 3

SIRENS ARE ACTIVATED WHEN Ø Confirmed sighting of a tornado, headed for the community, by a trained weather spotter Ø National Weather Service issues a tornado warning for the community. Ø Reports of significant storm damage secondary to life-threatening winds. 4

SIREN TESTING Ø Siren Testing l 1 st Tuesday of the month at 10: 00 a. m. 5

WEATHER EMERGENCY SIRENS Ø Severe Thunderstorm Watch vs. Warning Ø Tornado Watch vs. Warning Ø What Should I Do When Siren Sounds? Ø Is There an “ALL CLEAR? ” Ø Seek Shelter – Seek Information 6

SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS Watch vs. Warning Ø Severe Thunderstorm Watch : Conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms. Ø Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Indicates an immediate danger to those in the path of the storm. 7

SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS What You Should Do Ø Seek Safe Shelter Ø Monitor an all-hazards/NOAA weather radio and local forecast Ø Know the Dangers l l All thunderstorms are dangerous Dangers include lightning, tornadoes, strong winds, hail, and flash flooding 8

TORNADO WATCH VS. WARNING Ø Tornado Watch: Conditions are right for a tornado to develop. Ø Tornado Warning: a tornado has been sighted or indicated by radar. l Take cover immediately!! 9

Pay Attention to the Weather! Ø Watch the sky l Dark or greenish sky l Dark, low-lying clouds, especially if rotating l Large hail l Loud roar like a freight train If you see any of these -Take shelter! 10

When the Sirens Sound Ø Seek Shelter Immediately Ø Do NOT call 911 for information l l 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. 11

SEEK SHELTER Ø Inside: l l Go to basement or lowest building level. Stay close to the most interior wall & away from windows. Ø Outside or in a vehicle or mobile home: l l l 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. 12

IS THERE AN ALL CLEAR? Ø There is NO All Clear! Ø The emergency is NOT over when the sirens stop. Ø Multiple siren activations means imminent, life-threatening impact. 13

SEEK INFORMATION Ø Once you are in a safe place, turn on TV, local radio, or an all-hazards/NOAA weather radio. Ø It is not safe to leave shelter until the warning expires. Ø Be prepared in case another warning is issued. 14

Summary Ø Sirens are one tool to alert the public Ø Take personal responsibility l l 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 Ø Be prepared - have a plan l l Know where to take shelter. Keep an emergency kit in your shelter area. 15

More Information Ø National Weather Service l Ø Du. Page County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management l Ø www. protectdupage. org Ready Illinois l Ø www. weather. gov www. ready. illinois. gov Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) l www. ready. gov 16