We are expecting severe weather in our area later today. The criteria for sounding our outdoor warning sirens are:
First, the sounding of the sirens is typically conducted by fire department administration - it is not something that occurs automatically. The sirens are sounded when one of the following conditions are met:
- Tornado Warning for Tarrant County, including Grapevine
- Rotation in the clouds confirmed by a trained weather spotter or public safety official
- Hail one inch or larger in diameter (quarter size or larger)
- Sustained winds of 60 mph or greater.
Additionally, the outdoor warning system is designed to alert those who are outside that there is an imminent threat. The only action to take when a siren is heard is to go inside. Individuals should go indoors and tune into local media outlets for more information.
For those of you wondering what the warning mechanism is for those indoors, the answer is a NOAA All Hazards Radio. The radios are now programmed so that they are county specific and only sound during routine testing and when the specific county that you program in is under a threat. If you are interested in purchasing a NOAA All Hazards Radio, please look for one with S.A.M.E technology. These radios are your "indoor siren".
Source:
Carrie M. Little, CEM
Emergency Management Coordinator
Grapevine Fire Department
