Each year, despite advance warnings, many citizens are killed or seriously injured by tornadoes and other types of severe weather. In 2013, there were more than 446 weather-related fatalities, and nearly 2,766 injuries. Severe weather knows no boundaries, and affects all it encounters.
The Sycamore Fire Department has brought the following information to you so that you can be ready:
Prepare:
o A storm can strike suddenly and it may occur when family members are in different places, so pick a spot where loved ones could gather if a tornado is headed your way. It could be your basement or, if there is no basement, a center hallway, bathroom, or closet on the lowest floor. Keep this place uncluttered.
o If you are in a high-rise building, you may not have enough time to go to the lowest floor. Pick a place in a hallway in the center of the building.
o Tornado WATCHES and WARNINGS are issued by National Weather Service.
Know what a tornado WATCH and WARNING means:
o A tornado WATCH means a tornado is possible in your area.
o A tornado WARNING means a tornado has been sighted and may be headed for your area. Go to safety immediately.
When a Tornado WATCH is issued:
o Monitor radio, your cell phone or television for the latest weather updates
o Be alert to changing weather conditions. Blowing debris or the sound of an approaching tornado may alert you. Many people say it sounds like a freight train.
When a Tornado WARNING is issued:
o If you are inside, go to a safe place and protect yourself from glass and other flying objects.
The tornado may be approaching your area.
o If you are outside, hurry to the basement of a nearby sturdy building or lie flat in a ditch or low-lying area and use your arms to protect your head.
o If you are in a car or mobile home, get out immediately and head for safety. After the Tornado Passes:
o Watch out for fallen power lines and stay out of the damaged area.
o Listen to the radio for information and instructions.
o Use a flashlight to inspect your home for damage.
o Do not use candles at any time.
KNOW WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU HEAR THE WARNING SIRENS!
Information regarding City of Sycamore Outdoor Early Warning Sirens (EWS)
The City of Sycamore has Outdoor Warning Sirens strategically placed throughout the city. Generally, early warning sirens are intended to alert our citizens and visitors of impending severe weather. However, early warning sirens may also be used to alert the public to a local emergency that could have significant impact on the community, such as a hazardous material incident.
For severe weather events, when are the sirens activated?
The early warning sirens will be activated when one or more of the following events occur:
• When a Tornado Warning for the Sycamore area is announced by the National Weather Service.
• When a funnel cloud or tornado is reported by a credible source within the City of Sycamore or Sycamore Fire Protection District.
• When National Weather Service Doppler Radar indicates tornado activity within the Sycamore Fire Protection District or City of Sycamore.
• When there are credible reports from neighboring communities indicating a funnel cloud or tornado tracking toward the City of Sycamore or Sycamore Fire Protection District.
When the Outdoor Early Warning Sirens are activated, the sirens will produce a continuous, steady pitched tone for a period of three minutes.
Is there an all clear siren?
No, the concept of an all clear siren is not used because of the improbability of knowing whether the siren was signaling continued danger or that the danger had passed. Therefore, we depend on the National Weather Service (NWS) and local media to inform citizens on the current status of the weather.
I cannot hear the siren from inside my home.
The sirens are not designed or intended to provide a warning to citizens inside their homes or business. In order to receive advance warning of threatening weather, it is recommended that you stay tuned to a local radio or TV and get a NOAA Weather Alert radio. Your Cell phone may also be equipped to receive Alerts. Stay informed by having multiple sources for weather alerts – NOAA Weather Radio, Weather.gov, and Wireless Emergency Alerts. Subscribe to receive alerts at: http://www.ready.gov/severe-weather.
What actions should be taken after the sirens sounds?
When the sirens are activated, citizens should immediately take shelter. Taking shelter in a designated safe room within a home, school or business should be preplanned and practiced so that everyone present can get to the shelter as quickly as possible after receiving a warning.
- Go inside a sturdy building to the lowest level away from exterior walls.
- Stay away from windows.
- Listen to your local radio or television station for the current status of the weather event.
- If there is no building available, and the storm is on top of you, find a ditch or low-lying area.
- Lie down and cover your head.
When are the outdoor warning sirens tested?
The sirens are tested every Tuesday morning at 10:00 a.m. During the weekly test, the sirens will produce a continuous, steady tone for a period of one minute. If you are made aware that the warning siren in your area is not working, please contact the Sycamore Fire Department at 815-895-4514.
Information on the different types of severe weather such as tornadoes, severe thunderstorms and flooding is available at: www.weather.gov, and www.ready.gov/severe-weather, or at the Spanish-language web site: www.listo.gov.
For more information on this topic, please contact James Ward, Sycamore Fire Department Fire Prevention Coordinator at 815-895-4514.
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Everyone should purchase a NOAA Weather radio, you cannot rely on TV, Cell, or Radios if the power is out and there’s no cell service! NOAA Weather Radios save lives!