Guidelines announced for outdoor warning sirens

Guidelines announced for outdoor warning sirens

The Central Oklahoma Emergency Management Association (COEMA) announced today the publication of regional guidelines for outdoor warning systems, formerly known as tornado sirens.

The guidelines coordinate the activation, operation and testing of outdoor warning systems between eleven jurisdictions in Central Oklahoma. Participating cities and counties include Bethel Acres, Del City, Edmond, Midwest City, Moore, Norman, Oklahoma City, Tecumseh, Yukon, Canadian County and Oklahoma County.

These guidelines provide a consistent message to Central Oklahoma citizens about outdoor warning sirens.

“It’s critical that we communicate clearly during times of crisis,” Task Force Chair Frank Barnes said. “These guidelines let people know what they should do when they hear a siren – regardless of where they live in Central Oklahoma.”

The guidelines are:

· When a siren is sounded, people should take shelter immediately and seek more information. With more information, they can decide what further protective measures to take. When the sirens stop, it does not indicate the threat of a tornado has passed.

· Sirens may be activated more than once, as new or additional threats are identified.

· Cities and counties will never sound an “all clear” signal.

· Activation of sirens are based on:

o National Weather Service (NWS) Tornado Warning

o Credible report of tornadic conditions

o Location of the hazard or threat

o Timing of the hazard or threat

· Cities and counties have a “local option” allowing them to activate their sirens for hazardous conditions that pose a significant threat to life. Examples include: potential dam breaches, wildfires, hazardous material incidents or enemy attack. These situations may involve a different siren tone, use of the public address (voice message) or both.

· Sirens will be tested at least once per month for three (3) minutes at noon on Saturday.


http://www.neighborhoodlink.com/OCFD_Citizens_Fire_Academy_Alumni_Association
 
http://www.okcentralreact.org/