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What Triggers Tornado Sirens?

Tornado sirens, also known as outdoor warning sirens, are installed in many communities to be sounded in case of impending danger. Tornado sirens are loud enough to be heard by those who are outdoors, warning them to seek shelter immediately. There are a number of situations in which the operator remotely triggers the sirens, using radio control.

  1. Testings

    • Most communities that have tornado sirens installed will test these sirens on a regular basis. Not only do the tests ensure that the outdoor warning sirens are still operating properly, but they also teach residents to recognize the sound of the tornado sirens. Cities publish information on when the sirens in the area are tested, such as at 10 a.m. on the first Tuesday of the month.

    Tornado Warnings

    • Tornado sirens indicate tornado warnings and other emergency alerts by a single tone, usually three to five minutes in duration. The sirens are sounded for tornado warnings not only when conditions are favorable to tornadoes but when one has actually been sighted nearby. Upon hearing an alert tone, people should immediately seek shelter and turn on the radio or television for further information on the type of emergency and action that should be taken.

    Other Weather Conditions

    • Tornado sirens are used to warn of many other severe weather conditions besides tornadoes. Some examples are severe storms that may include large hail, earthquakes, hurricanes and severe winds.

    Chemical Spills

    • Even if the weather looks perfect, tornado sirens should always be taken seriously because the alert tone can also indicate the presence of biological dangers. Events such as chemical spills or other releases of a large quantity of hazardous materials will trigger the tornado siren.

    Attacks

    • Outdoor weather sirens are also typically equipped to produce a wailing noise consisting of two tones. This tone is triggered by a homeland security breach such as an actual or impending attack on the area.

    Volunteer Firefighters

    • Communities that have volunteer firefighters may also produce a third type of signal on their tornado sirens. This alert typically consists of alternating high and low tones and is used to gather volunteer firefighters when there is a fire.

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