WM replaces damaged weather siren

Questions, answers about what to do when warnings issued

By DON WILBURN

donaldfwilburn@gmail.com

Just because tornado season has passed does not negate the necessity for preparedness for all types of citywide emergencies. The City of West Memphis has installed a new Outdoor Weather Siren at MLK and Beatty. The siren was damaged earlier this year when an automobile collided with it. Here are some handy tips of what to know and what to do should you hear the sirens according to the National Weather Service:

■ ■ What does it mean when I hear the outdoor warning sirens?

In short, it means that something life-threatening is happening and you should go indoors and get more information.

■ ■ What should I do when I hear the outdoor warning sirens?

When the sirens are heard, go inside and tune to local media to get more information.

■ ■ Why can’t I hear the outdoor warning sirens in my house?

Sirens are an outdoor warning system designed only to alert those who are outside that something dangerous is approaching.

■ ■ How can I get alerts when I’m at work or in my house?

For alerts indoors, every home and business should have a NOAA Weather Radio All-Hazards. NOAA Weather Radio is like a smoke detector for severe weather.

■ ■ When are outdoor warning sirens tested?

Sirens are tested according to local community or state policies. In West Memphis it is typically on a Saturday around noon during fair weather.

■ ■ Why don’t the outdoor warning sirens sound an allclear signal? People should be indoors and monitoring local media for updates on the storm.

■ ■ Why are the outdoor warning sirens sometimes sounded for hail and wind?

When thunderstorm winds exceed 70 mph, trees can be uprooted or snapped. Hail that is golf ball sized or larger can break windows. Both of these things pose a direct risk to life if people are caught outdoors. An increasing number of communities are incorporating these threats into their outdoor warning siren policies.

■ ■ How often can I expect the outdoor warning sirens to

See SIREN, page A2

The new even more powerful siren moments before it was installed.

Photo courtesy of the City of West Memphis SIREN

From page A1

sound for severe weather?

On average, a typical area experiences 3-5 storms each year that meet the common siren guidelines. You can _nd information about past storms and their frequency in your community through the National Climatic Data Center.

■ Will the outdoor warning sirens warn me of every dangerous storm? The safest approach is to be proactive and use all of the information available to protect yourself and your family from threatening weather. Nothing can replace common sense.

■ Who activates the outdoor warning sirens?

Sirens are typically activated by city or county of_cials, usually a police or _re department or emergency management personnel. Check with your city or county of_cials to learn more.