When the Siren Sounds
- Go inside right away.
- Turn on a radio or television to hear the latest weather information.
- Take shelter in an interior room or basement if appropriate.
- Do NOT call 9-1-1 when you hear the siren. The area media and National Weather Service will provide updated information. Please use your television or radio to get these updates.
Remember: The emergency weather alert siren is for outdoor notification. Don’t rely on it to notify you of emergency weather conditions while you are indoors.
What and Where Are They
A siren was introduced to our community in the early 1950’s to be used as an air raid siren and to assist in dispatching the fire department. The old siren that had helped serve the community for roughly 60 years fell silent in May 2008. A new siren has since been purchased and installed to be used as an outdoor alert for tornadoes, severe weather, or other emergencies. The siren is not intended to be heard while inside a building or home. The siren is located near the center of town on
When Used
The weather alert siren is radio activated by either the Reasnor Fire Department or the Jasper County Sheriffs office upon notification of severe weather from the National Weather Service. Warnings are activated for thunderstorm warnings or tornado warnings. They are not used in the event of weather “watches.” The siren when activated will sound for a steady three minutes.
When Tested
The sirens are tested on the first Wednesday of each month at 10:00 AM. The test lasts approximately three minutes with a steady siren. The siren will not be tested if severe weather is in the area. The siren will also sound for a short period at noon each day. This is to ensure that the siren is cycled so in the event a true emergency the siren will function properly. If you do not hear the siren at noon or during its regular monthly test please contact a member of the city council or fire department.
What to Do
Once the sirens have been activated, you should go inside and turn on a television or radio for more information. You may also wish to have a NOAA weather alert radio available. This radio can be set to alert any time the National Weather Service issues a warning.
You should have a battery operated radio and flashlight in a convenient location. If it is appropriate to take shelter because of weather or other conditions, take cover in the lowest portion of your home, business or dwelling. The best place is a basement under something sturdy, like a workbench. If there is no basement, seek shelter in a small interior room in the middle of the building— like a closet or a bathroom. Always stay away from outside walls and windows.
The siren when activated will sound for a steady three minutes. If you no longer hear the siren while taking shelter this does not mean the storm is over. The siren may sound several times depending on the storm. There will not be an all clear signal preceding a storm.
You may wish to purchase a NOAA weather alert radio for more detailed information when emergency weather conditions exist.
Remember: 9-1-1 is for emergencies only! Do not use this number to obtain information or as a business line. You may keep those that have a true emergency from getting the help they need.
Do Not Call 911 and ask why the sirens are going off!
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