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1. What should I do when I hear the sirens?

When the sirens are heard, go inside and tune to local media to get more information, such as the Emergency Radio Station.

2. Why can't I hear the sirens in my house?

Sirens are an outdoor warning system designed only to alert those who are outside that something dangerous is approaching.

3. How can I get alerts when I'm at work or in my house?

For alerts indoors, every home and business should have a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio All-Hazards. NOAA Weather Radio is like a smoke detector for severe weather, and it can wake you up when a warning is issued for your area so you can take appropriate action.

4. When are sirens tested?

Sirens are tested the first Tuesday of the month at 10:30 a.m. if the outside temperature is above 32 degrees and severe weather is not expected.

5. Why don't the outdoor warning sirens sound an all-clear signal?

There is not an all-clear signal because people should be indoors and monitoring local media for updates on the storm.

6. Why are the outdoor warning sirens sometimes sounded for hail and wind?

When thunderstorm winds exceed 70 miles per hour (mph), trees can be uprooted or snapped. Hail that is golf ball sized or larger can break windows. Both of these things pose a direct risk to life if people are caught outdoors.