Cleveland UCD (Urban Conservation District)

TORNADO SIRENS 101

May 02, 2009

Do you know what to do when you hear Oklahoma City's tornado sirens? the sirens are your cue to immediately turn on a television or radio to get informatoin about the storm. Our sirens warn people within the city limits that weather conditions may produce a tornado.

We soulnd the sirens when the National Weather Service issues a tornado warning. Sirens sound for three minutes each time they are activated. You will hear the sirens each time a new warning is issued. It's important to know that when the sirens stop, it does NOT indicate the threat of a tornao has passed. Oklahoma City does not give an "all clear" signal.

If you need to take cover, bring a battery-operated or all-hazards weather radio with you so you can track the storm and will know when danger has passed. Oklahoma City tests tornado sirens at noon on Saturdays when there is no threat of severe weather.