In short, it means that something life-threatening is happening and you should go indoors and get more information. The specific guidelines (tornado, hail, wind, etc.) for sounding sirens varies by jurisdiction, so check with your local community to find out the specifics if you are interested.
Tornado sirens are usually sounded when something “life threatening” is happening, according to the National Weather Service. However, the specific guidelines on why the sirens have been activated varies by jurisdiction.
What do you do when the tornado sirens go off?
O The sirens sound when it is not safe to be outside. When you hear the siren go off, go inside, take shelter, and if possible, turn on a radio or TV for more information.
You see, tornado Warning means a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Take shelter immediately. It’s important to know how to stay safe if a tornado is in the area. Learn what to do if a tornado strikes while you are at home, in a mobile home or at school. Watch the videos.
Outdoor warning sirens will sound in the simulated tornado warning at 1:45 p. m. And at 6:45 p. m. So people can practice taking shelter as if there was real severe weather. Here’s what to do in the event of a tornado, whether you have a basement, live in an apartment, you’re at the store or in your car, as well as other scenarios .
The statewide guidelines say sirens should not be sounded just because of a tornado warning in a neighboring county. Sichting said Johnson County will also sound sirens if the county is under a severe thunderstorm warning and then a tornado watch is added onto that warning.
When were tornado sirens first used outside?
“They got their start back in the ‘ 40s. Originally, they were air raid sirens and then they were changed to outdoor warning sirens and are now primarily used for tornadoes. They are actually only intended to be heard outside.” Another common misconception is that the National Weather Service decides when to set off the sirens .
Why did the Sirens just go off?
According to the Quad City Metro area outdoor warning system guidelines, sirens go off for tornadoes, thunderstorms accompanied by winds of 70 mph or higher, or hail that is golf ball sized or larger. The sirens are designed to alert people who are outside that something dangerous is approaching.