Outdoor Warning Sirens

When a Warning Sounds

If you are outdoors when the sirens are activated, go inside and seek shelter immediately. Tune to a local radio or television station for instructions and severe weather or other emergency information.

In case of severe weather, go to a pre-designated safe area or to an interior room with few or no windows. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Protect yourself and others by getting under a heavy table or by covering with thick padding or blankets. Use your arms to cover your head and neck to protect from flying and falling debris. It is highly recommended that each home or business have other means to receive warnings and notifications such as:

• NOAA National Weather Service Radio
• Local television and radio stations
• Internet
• Weather subscription services
• Monitoring sky conditions

Emergency Preparations

One of the instructions you may be given is to shelter in place. This precaution is aimed to keep you safe while remaining indoors during a hazardous materials release or some other chemical emergency. Shelter in place means to select a small, interior room with few or no windows and take refuge.

Instructions for Sheltering in place:

• Close and lock all windows and doors
• Turn off all fans, heating , and air conditioning units
• Close the fireplace damper
• Get your family disaster supplies and make sure the portable radio is working
• Bring family pets inside
• Seal all windows, doors, and air vents. Use towels if possible and, for extended periods of sheltering in place, you can use plastic sheathing and duct tape to seal the structure.
• Watch television, listen to the radio, or check the internet often for official news and instructions as they become available.

Emergency Supply Kits

It is also recommended that each home have an emergency supply kit. The emergency supply kit should be ready to use, but located in a way that it can be taken if evacuation becomes necessary. You should also develop a plan with family and friends to include making sure that all phone numbers are current, have a meeting place or another way to let family and friends know where you are going if ordered to evacuate.

An emergency kit should include:

• Three days of water (one gallon per day per person) and non-perishable food items.
• Food and water should be changed at a minimum of every three months. Make sure to include a can opener
• Extra keys, eyeglasses, and hearing aids
• Extra cell phone batteries and charger
• First aid kit, extra prescription medications, copies of prescriptions, or other special medical needs
• Important documents such as insurance papers, proof of residence, photo ID's, important records, inventory of personal property (with pictures and serial numbers if possible)
• Cash
• Flashlights with extra batteries
• Battery operated portable radio
• Important phone numbers of family, friends, insurance company, and others
• Ice chest, paper plates, and plastic utensils
• Small tool kit and booster cables
• Blankets, pillows, sleeping bag, extra clothing
• Toilet paper, soap, clean-up supplies, and personal hygiene products
• Pets and their supplies