Tornadoes and Warning Sirens
Pre-Storm Preparedness
The first rule to being prepared for severe weather is to pay close attention to the daily forecast. If the forecast calls for potential severe weather, plan for it. Monitor the forecast in the morning, noon and mid afternoon for updates. When a tornado is coming, you have very little time to make life-or-death decisions. Advance planning and quick response is the key to surviving a tornado. Here are some timely tips on what to know and do when you hear the Outdoor Warning Sirens sound of an approaching tornadic storm.
Tornado
Tornado Warning – Siren Activation - The sirens will sound a constant tone for at least 3 minutes when activated.
Watches and Warnings - The Severe Storms Forecast Center in Norman, Oklahoman a branch of the National Weather Service issues Tornado Watches. The National Weather Service in Fort Worth issues Tornado Warnings.
Tornado Danger Signs – Occasionally, tornadoes develop so rapidly the advance warning is not possible, Look for: Dark, often greenish sky, large hail, wall cloud, loud roar, similar to a freight train.
Cautions – Some tornadoes are clearly visible, while rain or nearby low –hanging clouds obscure others. Before a tornado hits, the winds may die down and the air may be come very still. A cloud of debris can mark the location of a tornado even if a funnel is not visible. And, Tornadoes generally occur near the trailing edge of a thunderstorm. It is not uncommon to see clear, sunlit skies behind the tornado.
Safety Rules – Do not get under an underpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location. In a house or building, move to center hallway on the lowest floor, bathroom or safe room. Stay away from windows. Get out of automobiles immediately, beware of flying debris, in manufactured housing, leave and go to a more structured building. Avoid places with wide-span roofs such as auditoriums, cafeterias, large hallways, or shopping malls. Do not open windows. Living in an apartment, go to the first floor and seek shelter.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Outdoors Warning Sirens
When are the sirens activated?
- The National Weather Service issues a Richardson area Tornado Warning or Severe Thunderstorm Warning when destructive winds are at or above 70 mph.
- Trained storm spotters have reported a tornado with the potential to affect Richardson.
- Hail of 1.25 inches in diameter is imminent.
- Deemed necessary by City of Richardson officials (i.e. in the event of any emergency when officials need to get citizens to move indoors for their safety).
What do I do when I hear the sirens?
When you hear the sirens take cover immediately in a small room such as an interior bathroom or hall closet. Cover your head. If you are in a large building go to the most interior portion of the building. Close all doors and staying away from exterior windows and doors. Monitor the radio or television if possible. However, you may not have time.
Are 22 sirens enough to have citywide coverage?
These sirens cover 100% of the City.
Should I call 9-1-1
Only if you have an emerency, please do not use 911 to ask questions about the system, all questions may be routed to the Emergency Management Coordinator. You should follow the simple instruction as noted in Question 2 unless you have another emergency.
What emergency equipment should I have in my home that might be need if we were to experience a black out or major disruption of services?
We recommend that you have at least three days of water, your critical medication, some non-refrigerated food, battery-powered lights, and a first aid kit.
Should I hear the siren sound in my building or house?
Maybe, it depends on your location to the siren. The nearer you are to the siren, the more likely you may hear them. Sirens are not designed or intended to penetrate each and every structures. They are designed to warn our highly mobilized public.
What other forms of warning should I consider?
We strongly urge you to purchase a tone-alert, AC-DC weather radio. A radio that is designed to receive broadcasts from the local National Weather Service office. This is the best source of “Indoor Warning “ you can have.
If I have any questions, whom can I call about the siren System?
Mistie Gardner, Program Coordinator for the Office of Emergency Management. I am available to address your questions. I can be contacted at 972-744-4212.