This morning the city’s Outdoor Warning Siren System will sound at 10AM. Then this evening, residents in many neighborhoods will step outside to participate in 17th Annual National Night Out, a nationwide happening on the first Tuesday of August where families can learn about public safety, crime prevention and much more. Naperville Area Homeowners Confederation President Bob Fischer wrote about National Night Out in his monthly column in the August issue of Positively Naperville.
Both events are reminders of the network of communication as well as the many dedicated first responders and volunteers that exist in this community, prepared and ready to serve all residents.
Do you know what Naperville’s outdoor warning sirens mean?
Longtime residents are aware that since 1968 the Naperville Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has maintained an Outdoor Warning Siren System to alert residents of “approaching tornadoes, major emergencies, or the possible threat of an attack on the United States.”
In order to keep pace with city growth and to alert all residents, the number of units in the siren system has grown to 19 units. The sirens are tested the first Tuesday of each month at 10AM. That means that today, Aug. 6, the sirens will sound. The test consists of one minute of a steady tone, one minute of silence, one minute of a wavering tone, two minutes of silence and then a 10 second steady tone.
Under severe weather conditions and in the case of a tornado, the steady tone will be used to alert residents of a sighting and its approach. The tone will last three to five minutes. At that time, residents need to seek shelter immediately.
If the steady tone is heard at any other time, it is a signal that an emergency is occurring in the community. At that time, residents are urged to tune to local Cable TV, 89.1 FM or 1610 AM radio for information on the emergency.
During severe weather, the City may pre-empt cable TV programming on all channels to provide information on the storm using a voice message, during major emergencies this system will also be used plus information will be provided on cable Channel 6. TV viewers likely are well aware of this system of alerts that distract from regular programming, so pay attention to it.
According to the city’s website, the wavering tone is used only as a take cover signal of imminent danger of a nuclear attack on this country.
When the outdoor warning sirens sound during severe weather, do not call the Naperville Fire Department, Police Department or EMA Office. Instead, seek shelter at once.
Other outdoor warning alerts are times to listen to the 1610 AM radio, 89.1 FM radio or cable TV for information on the emergency.
For more information about the Naperville Emergency Management Agency, its history that dates back to 1950 and much more, take a few minutes to visit the city’s website.
Residents throughout the city might check your local homeowners association to see what’s planned for your neighborhood on National Night Out on Tues., Aug. 6, too.
Thanks to all for paying attention. Remember that the sirens are tested on the first Tuesday of the month at 10AM.
And to quote the Crime Stoppers motto, “Keeping our community safe is everyone’s responsibility.” For information about Crime Stoppers, visit napervillecrimestoppers.com.
RELATED POST: Bob Fischer’s August Column for the Naperville Area Homeowner’s Confederation.
