Were you startled to hear the outdoor tornado warning sirens go off yesterday evening and wondered if the threat was real? The siren system was designed to alert residents and visitors who are outside that a tornado may be imminent. The system was not designed to be heard within a home or building though if you live or work near one, you will likely hear a siren while indoors. It is the city’s policy to sound the alarm when the National Weather Service (NWS) issues a tornado warning for the Decatur area or when a tornado is spotted by a member of the public safety staff. The sirens will sound for three to five minutes per issued warning.
If you hear a siren, here are a few actions you can take:
- In a building – go to a pre-designated shelter area. Stay away from corners, windows, doors and outside walls. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Get under a sturdy table and use your arms to protect your head and neck. Do not open windows.
- In a vehicle, trailer or mobile home – get out immediately and go to the lowest floor of a nearby, sturdy building or storm shelter. Never try to outrun a tornado in an urban or congested area in your vehicle.
- Outside with no shelter – lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands. Be aware of the potential for flooding. Do not get under an overpass or a bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location. Watch out for flying debris, which is the cause of most fatalities and injuries during tornadoes.
Because the sirens aren’t meant to be heard indoors, the city does use another way to alert residents who are inside their homes and offices that severe weather is threatening. Residents and business owners can sign up for Smart911 severe weather notifications for events such tornadoes, severe thunderstorms and flash flooding warnings at smart911.com. (If you already have a registered safety profile, just sign in and select or update the notifications you would like to receive.) The alerts notify residents in the areas immediately affected and are triggered by NWS polygon technology.