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Severe Storms Preparedness Month Melodie Phelps News Editor Warm days and lots of sunshine have people thinking about spring. But another thing to think about as the seasons prepare to change is severe storms, which are common during the spring. During Severe Storms Preparedness Month, communities across the state are participating in drills and other activities to help residents become more informed about severe weather events. Locally, emergency officials participated in a Tornado Drill on Tuesday, as sirens were set off at 10:07 a.m. Local schools also participated in the drill, according to Bubby Corder, Emergency Management Director for Wayne County. Throughout the month, emergency officials hope to better educate local residents about the warning sirens. This marks the second spring storm season since the sirens became operational, and Corder noted that they have been used three or four times to warn residents of impending severe weather. He noted that some people are still confused about when the sirens are set off, and explained that there is a protocol established for use of the sirens. Specific emergency officials are authorized to have the warning sirens activated, as well as the on-duty 911 dispatcher. Corder noted that the sirens are used if a tornado warning is issued locally. Another instance would be if a tornado warning is in effect in Clinton County and it appears the storm may move into Wayne County. He also noted the sirens will be activated for any severe storm with winds of 60 miles per hour or greater. Corder said he had received comments from local residents who heard the sirens, when weather in their part of the county was not threatening. He explained that all the sirens have to be activated at the same time. Though the sun might be shining on one end of the county, there may be a storm at the other end of the county. "It's all or nothing," said Corder. He has also heard comments from people who say they cannot hear the sirens inside their home. Corder pointed out that the sirens are not designed to be heard inside a building, but instead are in place to help warn those who may involved in outside activities to seek shelter and get more information. He suggests that residents purchase a weather radio for their homes to keep them better informed of severe storms. Corder said these radios are available at several different stores. Monthly testing of the warning sirens will begin again this month, according to Corder. The sirens will be tested the third Wednesday of each month at noon, if there is not an imminent storm. While much of the city is covered by the eight existing warning sirens, there are parts of the county that they do not reach. Corder noted that the Lake Cumberland Area Development District has applied for grant money to purchase additional sirens in several counties in the area. Wayne County's application is for eight more sirens, which would provide warning signals for more rural areas of Wayne County. Add a comment |
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