Community Corner
Johnson County Releases Reminder on Weather Siren Guidelines
Sirens in Johnson County will sound to alert people if tornadic activity is indicated by Doppler radar or reports from a trained tornado spotter. Sirens will also be signaled during severe thunderstorms when winds of 70 mph or more are present.
Just in time for tornado season (or maybe a little late considering the sirens a few days ago) here is Johnson County's severe weather siren policy.
Media Release
With tornado season now in full swing, the Johnson County Emergency Management Agency has distributed information about when sirens are sounded, and what steps to take when you hear an alarm issued. On March 1, Johnson County implemented new siren guidelines after working with county emergency management officials as well as the National Weather Service in Davenport to develop the policy. Local siren guidelines are now consistent with policies in Scott, Polk, Black Hawk, and Linn Counties, according to Dave Wilson, the county's Emergency Management Coordinator.
Sirens in Johnson County will sound to alert people to tornado warnings if tornadic activity is indicated by Doppler radar or reports from a trained tornado spotter. Sirens will also be signaled during severe thunderstorms when winds of 70 mph or more are present that can snap or uproot trees, or when 1.75-inch or larger (golf ball-sized) hail is produced that can break windows.
When activated, sirens will run for three minutes. They may be sounded multiple times to warn of continued or new threats. Johnson County does not issue an all-clear signal. When the siren begins to sound, people who are outside should head indoors and tune in to local media for more information, including whether or not to take shelter in a safe part of the house. It is recommended that homes and businesses purchase a NOAA All-Hazards Weather Radio for weather alerts and information.
While the sirens offer an extra level of safety precaution, Wilson warns that every situation is different and residents should use common sense when preparing for or dealing with storms. To learn more, visit the Johnson County Emergency Preparedness Information website at http://www.johnson-county.com/dept_emergency.aspx?id=7912 and click on "Johnson County Siren Guidelines 2013."
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