Severe Thunderstorm Watch:
Conditions are conducive to the development of severe thunderstorms in and
close to the watch area.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning:
A severe thunderstorm has actually been observed by spotters or indicated on
radar, and is occurring or imminent in the warning area.
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Warning Sirens
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Warning Sirens
Outdoor warning sirens are located throughout the Village to notify
the public of tornado warnings. These warning sirens are activated
by the Fire and Police Department’s emergency call dispatcher. The
primary purpose of warning sirens is to notify residents that are
outdoors at the time a tornado warning is issued. They are not
designed to penetrate the walls of homes or businesses. The best
means of notification indoors is a NOAA weather radio, which can be
purchased on-line or at many electronic stores.
If you hear the warning sirens tune to your local radio and
television stations, or your NOAA weather radio, for further
information. Do NOT call 9-1-1 as it only ties up resources reserved
for emergency situations. Over the past several years the Village’s
dispatch center has noticed a large increase in the number of 9-1-1
calls regarding the activation of warning sirens. These calls tie up
the dispatch center’s resources when true emergencies may be
occurring.
While years ago warning sirens were
activated to notify the public when the severed weather had passed,
that is not true. The warning sirens are no longer used to issue an
“all clear” because it added confusion. Today, you must stay tuned
to local weather reports to determine when it is no longer necessary
to seek shelter. Please note that tornado warnings are usually
issued for a specified amount of time, which are issued by the
National Weather Service.
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Tornado Watch:
Conditions are conducive to the development of tornadoes in and close to the
watch area.
Tornado Warning:
A tornado has actually been sighted by spotters or indicated on radar and is
occurring or imminent in the warning area.
Tornado Safety
Tornadoes are the most violent atmospheric phenomenon on the planet.
Winds of 200-300 mph can occur with the most violent tornadoes.
The following are instructions on what to do when a tornado warning has
been issued:
In Homes or Small Buildings:
- Go to the basement (if available) or to an interior room on the
lowest floor, such as a closet or bathroom.
- Keep any other doors closed to keep separated from flying debris.
In Schools, Hospitals, Factories, or Shopping Centers:
- Go to interior rooms and halls on the lowest floor. Crouch down and
cover your head.
In High-Rise Buildings:
- Go to interior small rooms or halls. Stay away from exterior walls
or glassy areas.
In Cars or Mobile Homes:
- Abandon Them Immediately! If you are in either of those locations,
leave them and go to a substantial structure or designated tornado
shelter.
If No Suitable Structure is nearby:
- Lie flat in the nearest ditch or depression and use your hands to
cover your head.
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