Sirens sounding means caution not concern

Nevada Daily Mail

A loud, continuous blaring siren that gives a brief sinking feeling the world may be ending drowns out the noise of traffic and normal life during the noon hour.

Don't worry, it's just a tornado siren test.

With limited, short notice of the test, non-Midwesterners may wonder what the noise is all about.

Although tornados can happen anytime in the year, most tornados pop up March through July. Nevada's nine sirens, eight of which work at the moment, are tested every other month. If you hear it, and it's pretty hard not to, make sure to check the weather and then call the radio station (417-667-3113) or city hall (417-448-2700) if you're concerned.

"We used to test the sirens monthly, but with the age of the sirens, we have to limit how much we test them," Fire Chief Bill Thornton said. "We send notices to the radio station and newspaper when we're about to do a test."

So what happens when the siren is for real?

First, know the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning. Watches mean tornadoes are possible in and near the area. Make sure to be ready to act quickly if a warning is issued or you suspect a tornado is approaching. Warnings mean a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. A weather radio and emergency kit will keep you informed and comfortable.

In Nevada, public shelters are not an option.

"We don't have any public shelters because we can't afford them," Thornton said. "To make shelters big enough for a town the size of Nevada, it would cost several million. We might need two or three buildings the size of the community center. It adds danger if people go to a shelter while the siren's going off and the storm is going on. It's too late to go to a shelter by then. It's better to stay in place."

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration recommends in a house with a basement to avoid windows, go to the basement and wait under heavy, sturdy protection like a table during a warning. In a house with no basement, avoid windows, go to the lowest floor and a small center room like a bathroom or closet, crouch as low as possible to the floor and cover your head with your hands. Using a mattress or blankets can also help protect from falling debris.

In an office building, church or store, avoid windows and elevators, go to the lowest floor possible, crouch down and cover your head. In a mobile home, go outside and find a sturdy building or low ground. If outside, avoid trees and cars and lie flat and face-down on low ground. At school, follow the drill.

According to NOAA, there are no safe options if caught in a car or truck during a tornado. If the tornado is visible and far away, people can drive out of its path by moving at right angles to the tornado. It's best to seek shelter in a sturdy building or underground. If unable to exit the car, avoid bridges, park out of traffic lanes, keep the seat belt on and cover your head with hands or cushions.

Remember, it's possible that tornados can form without a warning.

Here are some of the signs of a tornado without a visible funnel.

* Strong, persistent rotation in the cloud base.

* Whirling dust or debris on the ground.

* Hail or heavy rain followed by dead calm or a fast, intense wind shift.

* Loud, continuous roar or rumble, which doesn't fade like thunder.

* At night, small, bright, blue-green to white flashes at ground level near a thunderstorm (the lights are actually power lines snapping).