Warnings and Watches

Many communities have warning systems, such as outdoor sirens, telephone warning systems, or the Emergency Alert System. The standard signal used for outdoor sirens, that has been adopted nationwide, is the Attention or Alert Signal. This is used to get the attention of citizens in times of threatened or impending natural disasters such as a tornado, flood, or other emergency.

This warning signal itself is a 3-5 minute STEADY BLAST on the sirens. The Attention or Alert Signal means to turn on your radio or television for important information concerning a disaster. If regular programming is continuing, the signal is most likely a test of the siren system.

WHAT TO DO WHEN THE SIGNAL SOUNDS

If you hear the Attention or Alert Signal turn on the radio or TV, tune to any local station, and follow the official instructions being broadcast.

DON'T USE THE TELEPHONE

Don't use the telephone to obtain further information or advice about the emergency. Depend on the radio or television set, since the government agencies will be broadcasting all available information. The telephone lines will be needed for official calls and must be kept open.

VISIT YOUR LOCAL NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE

WARNINGS
There are several different ways to notify the citizens during times of threatened or impending emergencies or disasters such as a tornado, flood or other hazard. These include, but are not limited to:

• NOAA Weather Radios - Consistently the most reliable and timely warning system, NOAA Weather Radio features a tone activated radios which provide an alert tone, information, and safety directions.
   
• Emergency Alert System - the emergency alert system utilized by the radio and television stations to alert citizens of impending danger. This utilizes a brief tone followed by an emergency message on the radio or a crawler which includes a tone on television.
   
• Cable override system provides an audible message over all television cable stations giving emergency information.
   
• Telephone Warning Notification - computer ring-down system utilizes a computer programmed to call and/or page both citizens and emergency responders.
   
• Emergency response personnel in the field may notify the public by either going door-to-door with an emergency message or utilizing a PA system on automobiles.
   
• In some areas colored flags are used as a means of notification - green indicates everything is clear; yellow indicates a watch and red indicates a warning. Citizens are educated to what each flag signifies and when they observe either a yellow or red flag, they are to turn on their radios for specific information.