What to do when you receive a severe weather warning:

1) Go to a place of safety... A basement, a hallway, or an interior room with no windows. AVOID WINDOWS! Flying glass can injure or kill.

2) Get under a piece of heavy furniture and cover yourself for added protection.

3) Monitor your local radio station.

What NOT to do:

1) Do not open doors or windows. Houses don't "explode" and allowing strong winds in can do damage or cause injury.

2) Do not stay in a mobile home. Seek shelter in a stronger structure before the storm arrives.

3) Do not stay in a vehicle. Take shelter in a ditch or a culvert.

COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS REGARDING SIRENS AND ALERTS

Can I call 911 for an update when I hear the sirens?
NO!  Dispatchers will be extremely busy with the emergency causing the sirens to be activated.  Residents can tune into local media outlets to gain up-to-date information.

What is the sound range of the sirens?
The siren sound range is approximately 1 mile.  The sound range will vary based on location and conditions, such as hill terrain, buildings, and outdoor noise levels.

I don't hear the siren when I am inside my house.  Why?
The siren system was designed as a warning device to people that are outside of their homes, away from radio or television which may be broadcasting warnings.  The system was never designed to be a warning device for people inside their homes.  Some people will be able to hear the siren indoors, depending on how close the indoor location is to the nearest siren and depending on the volume of other noise indoors, such as TV, radio, or machinery.

How can I be alerted when I'm sleeping?
To add additional protection while you are inside, the Hamilton County Emergency Management Agency recommends you purchase a NOAA weather radio. These weather alert radios can be purchased at many retail stores that sell electronic merchandise, including stand-alone electronic retail outlets, electronics departments within department stores, and some drug stores.  Prices vary from $20 - $200 depending on the model and features. These “all-hazards” radios are equipped with an audible signal. Some models have flashing lights or bed-shaking capability for those who are hearing impaired.

We recommend the purchase of a NOAA weather radio with the SAME feature (Specific Area Message Encoding) which means the receiver is capable of turning itself on from a silent mode when the signal for your area is sent out.  These radios can be programmed for specific areas so you do not receive alerts from areas far away.

NOAA Weather Radio is an "all-hazards" public warning system, broadcasting forecasts, warnings and emergency information 24 hours a day directly to the public.

   “All Hazards” messages include:

- Natural Disasters (tornado, hurricane, floods, earthquakes)
- Technological accidents (chemical release, oil spill, nuclear power plant emergencies, maritime accidents, train derailments)
- AMBER alerts
- Terrorist attacks