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SIREN INFORMATION
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SIREN INFORMATION
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The primary purpose of Lucas County emergency outdoor
warning sirens is to alert the general public who are outdoors and have no
means of other warning of the approach of severe weather in the area. In a
few rural jurisdictions the sirens are also used by local fire departments
to summon volunteer firefighters and alert the driving population that
emergency vehicles will be moving through the community. Two separate and
distinct siren tones are used to differentiate these situations.
Severe weather warnings are made when the National Weather Service activates a Tornado
Warning or when a funnel cloud or Tornado on the ground is sited by public
safety officials. The Severe Weather Warning signal is a three (3) minute
steady wail. Local fire department siren signals are distinguished by a wavering tone. The length of the wavering tone is dependent upon individual fire department protocols.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What should citizens do when they hear the emergency warning siren?
The general public is advised to seek shelter immediately upon hearing the
sirens. Once indoors citizens should tune into a tone activated weather alert
radio and/or local broadcast media such as television, radio, cable networks,
and the Internet for specific information on the severe weather conditions.
What should the community do if they find that they are at risk?
Current information on the location, intensity, storm track and speed, and any
specific hazards (ie. Lightening, hail, or severe wind ) posed by the storm
event has greatly improved. Based upon the above information individual
citizens and managers of businesses and industries can quickly determine if a
specific threat or risk exist in their location and respond accordingly.
If in danger, how should I respond?
Activate your internal or personal alert procedures and go immediately to
pre-designated safe shelter area(s) within your home, commercial business or
factory. Ideally this should be on the lowest floor possible, in the center of
your building away from windows and doors and one that can provide some
overhead protection. Baths, closets, interior hallways and stairwells are all
preferred if one does not have a formal storm shelter. In high-rise buildings
the center core of each floor is best when there is limited time to evacuate to
a lower level.
What if I can’t hear the warning sirens in my home?
The County Warning Sirens are intended for the outdoor county population. The
sirens are intended to be one of many tools to inform the public of impending
severe weather events and are by no means to be relied upon or considered fail
safe. The best way to ensure personal safety during severe weather is to
install a NOAA tone activated weather alert radio in one’s home and stay
informed of developing situations via the media. Be alert to changing weather
conditions and familiar with your severe weather safety plan or procedures.
Are the warning sirens ever tested?
The emergency warning sirens are routinely activated for one minute on the
first Friday of each month at Noon. Additional activations are necessary from
time to time and during the annual Severe Storms Awareness Week in March of
each year.
Does our county sound an “all clear” signal to alert the public when it is
safe?
NO. Lucas County does not sound an “all clear” signal. Severe weather events
are generally short-lived lasting from a few minutes or up to an hour. Be aware
that severe storms can cluster so multiple warnings are possible.
Who should I call if I believe my local siren failed to activate during a
test?
Citizens should report dysfunctional sirens to the Lucas County Emergency
Management Agency (EMA). Lucas County EMA can be reached at (419) 213-6503.
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