How Do I Activate Tornado Sirens?

You have probably heard a severe weather siren go off from time to time. In most areas, the sirens are tested at least once a month--sometime in the middle of the day--to ensure they are ready in case of emergency. During other times they are used to warn that severe weather is in the area, that a homeland security threat has occurred or as an all clear once either of these issues has been resolved.

Instructions

• 1

  Clearly identify the threat that warrants a siren alert. Be prepared to explain why you feel the tornado siren is necessary with specific details.

• 2

  Contact your local emergency response organization. If there is damage or immediate threat to human life, the police or fire department are the best option and are easily reached with your local emergency phone number. For reporting cases of severe weather, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) automated instructions are to call 911, or whatever your local emergency phone number is, to report cases of severe weather.

• 3

  Get to safety. Once you have alerted authorities to the emergency, they will activate the tornado sirens according to the proper procedures. Take you and your family to a safe location with the proper supplies and wait for the all clear alert.