OUTDOOR WARNING SIRENS BEING INSTALLED IN GARFIELD HEIGHTS

 

 

 

                          WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCY SITUATIONS

 

Outdoor Warning Sirens are being installed in the City in case of an emergency to warn the public that a situation exists when appropriate notification may be lifesaving.  These alerts may include such events as tornadoes, chemical spills or other hazardous situations. The sirens are designed to warn residents that are outside that there is an emergency.  Although you may hear the sirens inside your home or business, they are not designed to wake you up in the middle of the night, or to alert residents that are indoors. Weather alert radios are recommended for these situations.  In the event that you hear the sirens activate, please tune into a local radio station (WTAM 1100AM or WCPN 90.3FM) or local TV station for news or information.  DO NOT call 9-1-1, unless you are having an emergency.  Fire, Police and EMS agencies will be busy attempting to resolve the situation.

 

 

TORNADO WATCH OR WARNING?

 

The National Weather Service issues a tornado watch when conditions exist that makes tornadoes possible.  Citizens should remain tuned to local radio and television stations for further developments. 

 

 

 

A tornado warning is issued when a tornado has been sighted either visually or by radar.  Go to a safe area immediately.

 

 

WHAT TO DO IF A TORNADO STRIKES

 

A tornado can be terrifying, but try to remain calm and do the right things to protect yourself.  If you are in a public place where someone is in charge, listen carefully and follow his or her instructions.  Move quickly, but do not run or panic.  Know where to go for shelter.  If possible, take along a flashlight and a battery operated radio.

 

·        In cars or mobile homes: Get out!  Take shelter in the nearest building or lie in the nearest ditch, ravine or culvert and cover your head with your hands

 

·        In shopping centers or large buildings: Look for a special sheltered area.  If there isn’t one, go to the middle hallway on the lowest floor.

 

·        In school: Follow the direction of a teacher and avoid places like gymnasiums or cafeterias that have large roofs.

 

·        In homes or small buildings: Go to the basement or a place on the lowest floor in the middle of the house, like a bathroom, closet or interior hallway.

 

 

WHAT DO I DO FOR HAZARDOUS MATERIAL ALERTS?

 

UPON HEARING THE WARNING SIRENS

 

·        Move inside a building

 

·        Turn on the radio (WTAM 1100 AM or WCPN 90.3 FM)  or TV and wait for further instructions

 

·        Close and a lock all windows and doors

 

·        Turn off all ventilation systems if possible (extinguish fireplace fires, then shut the flue).

 

·        Stay off the phone lines unless there is an emergency

 

 

IMPORTANT DO’S AND DONT’S

 

DO seek shelter or leave the area, depending on the instructions of emergency responders

 

DON’T go near if there is a fire or chemical spill at an industrial facility

 

DON’T go outside to watch the emergency responders. 

 

DON’T approach a colored cloud, or a cloud hugging the ground, to find out what it is.

 

DON’T linger in the area if you smell chemical odors, or if fumes in the air irritate your eyes or make you cough.

 

 

SIREN TESTING

 

The regional outdoor warning sirens will be tested on the first Saturday of every month at 12 noon for 1 minute.

 

 

SIREN ACTIVATION FOR EMERGENCY PUBLIC NOTIFICATION

 

The regional outdoor warning sirens will be activated for 3 minutes to notify the public of an emergency. Turn on the radio (WTAM 1100 AM or WCPN 90.3 FM) or TV and wait for further instructions.