Standard Operating Procedures- Outdoor sirens

RESOLUTION NUMBER: 2015-0001

STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES – OUTDOOR SIRENS

TO BE ACTIVATED DURING: TORNADO WARNING

  • NWS issues a tornado warning with the jurisdiction in the warned polygon and in the path of the storm

  • A trained spotter reports rotation, funnel cloud, or tornado in the jurisdiction; may include storms tracking towards the jurisdiction from the named county or adjacent counties

    THUNDERSTORM WARNING

  • NWS issues a thunderstorm warning producing life threatening winds

  • A trained spotter reports life threatening winds in or approaching the jurisdiction

    SIREN ACTIVATION:

  • Sirens sound a steady tone for three minutes

  • Sirens are cycled or rested for three minutes

  • Sirens may sound multiple times during the warning

  • No all-clear siren will be sounded. Public should listen to NOAA weather radio and/or local media for current weather information

    WHAT PUBLIC SHOULD DO DURING SIREN ACTIVATION?

  • Move inside a sturdy building, seek shelter as low and as interior as possible

  • Listen to NOAA weather radio and/or the local media for current weather information

    SIREN TESTING:

  • Sirens will be tested on the second Wednesday of each month at 10:00 a.m.

  • Sirens will be activated for three minutes

  • Sirens will not be tested if any of the following weather conditions exist:

  • 100% cloud cover or overcast skies

  • Thunderstorms predicted for area

  • Freezing weather conditions

  • If sirens are not tested on the regular monthly test date and time, there will be no make-up test for that month

  • Sirens may be tested after maintenance or repairs if: city administration is notified and local media is notified with the goal of 12-24 hour notice