Tornado Safety/Siren  Printer Friendly Version

What to Do When the Siren SoundsWhat to Do When the Tornado Siren Sounds
An outdoor warning device

  • Go inside right away
  • Turn on a radio or television to hear the latest weather information.
  • Take shelter in an inside room or basement if appropriate.
  • Do NOT call 9-1-1 when you hear the siren. The area media and the National Weather Service will provide updated information. Please use your television or radio to get these updates.
  • Remember: The emergency alert siren is for outdoor notification. Don't expect it to notify you of weather conditions while you are indoors.

What and Where Are They:
Currently Sugarcreek Township does not have weather alert sirens in our community.  They are in our surrounding communities such as the City of Centerville and Washington Twp.  These Weather alert sirens were introduced to the community in 1975. These devices are used as an outdoor alert for tornadoes or other severe weather emergencies. They are not intended to be heard while inside buildings or homes.

There are twelve sirens located throughout Washington Township and Centerville. They are maintained by the staff of the Washington Township Fire Department.

When Used:
Weather alert sirens are activated by either the Washington Township Fire Department or the Centerville Police Department upon notification of severe weather from the National Weather Service. Warnings are activated for thunderstorm warnings or tornado warnings. They are not used in the event of weather "watches."

When Tested:
The sirens are tested on the first Monday of each month at noon. The tests last approximately three minutes.

What to Do:
Once the sirens have been activated, you should go inside and turn on a television or radio for more information. You may also wish to have a NOAA weather alert radio available. This radio can be set to alert any time the National Weather Service issues a warning.

You should have a battery operated radio and flashlight in a convenient location. If it is appropriate to take shelter because of weather or other conditions, take cover in the lowest portion of your home, business or dwelling. The best place is a basement under something sturdy, like a workbench. If there is no basement, seek shelter in a small interior room in the middle of the building -- like a closet or a bathroom. Always stay away from outside walls and windows.


 

Sugarcreek Township Administration, 2090 Ferry Road, Bellbrook, OH 45305, 937-848-8426 (phone), 937-848-7060 (fax)
Email: ctilford@sugarcreektownship.com
All material ©2006 Sugarcreek Township, Greene County, Ohio. All Rights Reserved.