What does it mean when I hear the outdoor warning sirens? In short, it means that something life-threatening is happening, and you should go indoors and get more information. The siren may be activated for any of the following events: severe weather, chemical spills, Amber Alerts, and other extreme emergencies.
What should I do when I hear the outdoor warning sirens? When the sirens are heard, go inside and tune to local media to get more information.
Why can’t I hear the outdoor warning sirens in my house? Sirens are an outdoor warning system designed only to alert those who are outside that something dangerous is approaching.
How can I get alerts when I’m at work or in my house? For alerts indoors, every home and business should have a 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.
When are outdoor warning sirens tested? In Cuyahoga Falls, sirens are tested at 10:00 AM on the first Thursday of every month.
Why don’t the outdoor warning sirens sound an all-clear signal? People should be indoors and monitoring local media for updates on the storm.
Why are the outdoor warning sirens sometimes sounded for hail and wind? When thunderstorm winds exceed 70 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. An increasing number of communities are incorporating these threats into their outdoor warning siren policies.
Will the outdoor warning sirens warn me of every dangerous storm? The safest approach is to be proactive and use all of the information available to protect yourself and your family from threatening weather. Nothing can replace common sense. If a storm is approaching, the lightning alone is a threat. Sirens are only one part of a warning system that includes preparation, NOAA Weather Radio, and local media.
Who activates the outdoor warning sirens? The City of Cuyahoga Falls 9-1-1 Communications Center will activate the system. They will receive information from the National Weather Service, the city, and other government officials.
Why does the City of Cuyahoga Falls have a common guideline for sounding outdoor warning sirens? When life-threatening weather is approaching, minutes or even seconds could make a difference. If people are unsure or confused about an alert, they may not respond quickly or appropriately. By adopting common outdoor warning system guidelines, confusion will be eliminated, response time will be reduced, and lives will be saved.
