Outdoor Warning System Activated for Any Emergency
April 18, 2009 by admin
Filed under Press Releases
The City of Fort Worth’s outdoor warning system may be activated for any kind of emergency — not just severe weather. Though some residents think of the outdoor system as tornado sirens — or even air-raid sirens — that’s not the case.
While Fort Worth’s outdoor warning system of 135 strategically placed sirens is most frequently used to alert residents of severe weather, the sirens also could be activated for other emergencies, including acts of terrorism and chemical and national emergencies.
Keep in mind that the sirens are an outdoor warning system and aren’t meant to be heard indoors.
The system is tested at 1 p.m. every Wednesday, unless severe weather conditions are eminent. If you hear the outdoor warning system at any other time, seek shelter and tune to a local radio or television station to seek information.
Stay Alert, Informed
Being prepared is more than throwing an umbrella in the trunk. It means staying alert and informed. Residents need to be aware of all the potential hazards in their areas.
One reliable source of information is a weather radio. The National Weather Service, through the Emergency Alert System, uses these radios to disseminate emergency information to the public. The two primary radio Emergency Alert Stations (EAS) for Fort Worth are WBAP 820 AM and KRLD 1080 AM.
The National Weather Service tracks weather and broadcasts information 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Weather alert radios provide immediate notification of severe weather and other emergencies. Most models can be programmed using Specific Area Message Encoding (SAME) to receive information specific to a certain county. The code for Tarrant County is 048439.
Weather radios are available at many electronics and some department stores; prices start at $20 and go up depending on the model and its features.
When the city’s outdoor warning system is activated — for any emergency or disaster— you can help keep emergency communication lines open and Fort Worth police officers and firefighters focused on saving lives and property by not calling 9-1-1 to ask about the outdoor warning system sounding. Simply tune to a radio or television station for official information.
