Tornado Siren: Staying Safe During Severe Weather in Dane & Rock Counties
As Wisconsin prepares for Severe Weather Awareness Week, residents of Dane and Rock Counties are being urged to understand and prepare for the potential of tornadoes and severe thunderstorms. Knowing how to respond to a tornado siren is crucial for ensuring your safety and the safety of your loved ones.
Understanding the Siren System
Dane County Emergency Management operates a network of 144 outdoor warning sirens strategically placed throughout the county. These sirens are a vital part of the emergency notification system, but they are just one piece of the puzzle. County Executive Melissa Agard emphasizes the importance of having a comprehensive plan: “Severe weather can develop quickly, which is why you should have a plan for how you will be notified about storms and know where you can seek shelter.”
Sirens are activated when the National Weather Service (NWS) issues a tornado warning or a severe thunderstorm warning with a “destructive” tag. This tag indicates the potential for winds of 80 mph or higher and/or hail the size of baseballs. It’s important to remember that a tornado siren is a signal to take immediate action – seek shelter and gather more information from reliable sources.
Beyond the Siren: Multiple Sources of Information
Relying solely on the tornado siren is not enough. Emergency Management officials strongly recommend having multiple sources for severe weather alerts, including:
- NOAA Weather Radio: A dedicated weather radio provides continuous broadcasts of official weather information. (National Weather Service)
- Local News: Tune into local television and radio stations for updates.
- Smartphone Apps: Download weather apps that provide real-time alerts.
- Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA): These alerts are sent to mobile phones in affected areas.
Siren Testing and Drills
Sirens are tested on the first Wednesday of each month at noon, weather permitting. However, Dane County will not be sounding its sirens during the statewide tornado drill scheduled for Thursday this year. Residents are still encouraged to practice their tornado safety plans at home, work, and school on Thursday.
In Rock County, sirens will be activated for the statewide tornado drills on Thursday at 1:45 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. If a severe weather threat exists, the drills will be postponed to Friday. Check ReadyWisconsin for drill status updates by 10 a.m. on Thursday.
What to Do When a Tornado Warning is Issued
If you hear a tornado siren or receive a tornado warning, take these steps immediately:
- Seek Shelter: Head indoors to a sturdy building.
- Basement or Interior Room: The safest place is a basement or a ground-floor interior room with no windows.
- Stay Informed: Bring a weather radio or your cell phone with you to receive updates.
Become a Storm Spotter
Dane County is hosting two free NWS Storm Spotter training sessions on Wednesday, April 22. These sessions are open to anyone interested in learning how to identify and report severe weather to the NWS. The training will cover weather safety for spotters and the general public, as well as the essentials of severe weather reporting.
Stay Prepared, Stay Safe
Being prepared is the best defense against severe weather. Understand the tornado siren system, have a safety plan, and stay informed. Your preparedness could save your life.
