STILLWATER EMERGENCY COORDINATION AND COMMUNICATIONS CENTER

DO YOU HAVE A NOAA WEATHER RADIO?

A NOAA Weather radio should be your first line of protection against severe weather. NOAA weather radios are activated by the National Weather Service. The City of Stillwater utilizes NOAA weather radios and it only makes since that you receive the same information that we do, when we do. Plus weather radios can run on batteries and can be taken with you to your safety shelter. Learn what threats are associated with Severe Thunderstorms, such as; hail, winds, flooding and even the possiblity of tornados. You can even receive winter weather warnings if you choose.

Remember, make your NOAA weather radio part of your 72 hour kit. Stay informed and stay alert.

WHAT DO I DO WHEN I HEAR THE OUTDOOR WARNING SIRENS?

The City of Stillwater tests the sirens on the first Tuesday of each month at 11:30 a.m. if the weather permits. If you hear the sirens at any other time, there is the possibility of a weather-related emergency that could require you to take precautions. For weather-related emergencies, the City of Stillwater will activate the sirens during a tornado warning if a tornado is imminent.

What is the announcement after the activation of the sirens?

The City of Stillwater Emergency Management office follows every Outdoor Warning activation with a Public Address. This public address will state the emergency and the action required on your part. This announcement also validates the emergency. In the past some residents were concerned about false alarms or system malfunctions, so the city decided to add the public address to every activation of the Outdoor Warning.

Why can’t I hear the Sirens in my house?

The City of Stillwater has installed Outdoor Warning sirens throughout the City to warn residents when they are outside of their homes. During the spring and summer many people recreate out of doors in the evening and nightime hours when the weather isn't so hot. People in cars, back yards, at ball fields, in swimming pools and at lake facilities camping need warning to impending weather when they are away from their NOAA weather radio.

Todays construction of businesses and homes is a lot better than it was in the past. This new construction is more air tight and doesn't allow outside noises to penetrate through the walls, roofs and windows like older manufacturing. Therefore, it is near impossible to hear the Outdoor Warnings inside.

How are the sirens activated?

The Emergency Operations Center is located in the basement of the Stillwater Police Department and supervised by the Public Safety Director and Emergency Management Director. During a severe storm, spotters are dispatched to the approaching storm and City of Stillwater personnel activate the Emergency Operations Center (EOC). The City EOC personnel track the storms and when a weather threat approaches the City, the sirens are activated. The EOC will operate at any time of the day or night and staff is always on call for any disaster that threatens the City of Stillwater.

ALERTS	TYPES	TYPE OF SIGNAL
NATURAL DISASTER ALERT	TORNADO WARNING	3 minute steady wail
		followed by a Public Address
MAN-MADE DISASTER ALERTS	MAN-MADE DISASTERS (terrorism)	3 minute - high/low sound

The tornado siren emits a steady 3 minute tone. The flood signal is a quick high-low siren sound (like a British siren). The Man-Made Disaster sounds a tone that alternates between high and low tones

What is a Severe Thunderstorm or Tornado Watch?

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch outlines an area where hail one inch in diameter or larger and damaging thunderstorm winds of 58 mile per hour or higher are expected to occur during a three to six hour period. A Tornado Watch includes the large hail and damaging wind threats, as well as the possibility of tornadoes.

What is a Severe Thunderstorm or Tornado Warning?

A tornado warning means that a thunderstorm or tornado has actually been spotted, or is strongly indicated on radar, and it is time to activate your emergency response plan and/or seek shelter immediately.

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DRIVE TO A SHELTER AFTER A TORNADO WARNING HAS BEEN ISSUED

Is there an "all clear" siren?

There is no "all clear" siren activation. The "all clear" was an old warning from the 1960’s that notified residents of an all clear from a nuclear attack. The City attempts to warn citizens of approaching severe weather by activating the sirens with as much warning as possible. Weather, and especially a severe storm, is unpredictable and warnings may be immediate to an approaching storm. Storms traveling through “tornado alley” may have several lines of severe weather and as each approaching threat reaches the City, another siren will be sounded.

How do I know if it is clear and safe to evacuate my shelter?

A portable battery operated radio can give you up to the minute information and let you know when the severe weather has passed. The City of Stillwater Emergency Management office will also make a Public Address on the Outdoor Warning systems with an "All Clear" message. Below is a list of local radio stations that the City of Stillwater has an aggreement with for making announcements in regards to the "All Clear".

• RADIO STATION'S-DIAL
• KOSU - FM 91.7
• KOSR - FM 88.3

 

Shelter can be sought in your home or business?

It is not always necessary to travel to a storm shelter. Shelter can be taken in your home or a business by locating the most interior room, on the lowest level of the structure. Remember to protect yourself with blankets, pillows or mattresses. Have your NOAA weather radio with you for information regarding the warning. Also, make sure to grab your 72 hour kit and take it with you to your shelter or shelter area.

One of the most dangerous things you can do is to attempt to travel to a shelter after the Outdoor Warning systems have been activated. Many times death or serious injury can occur by people attempting to drive to shelter after an activation. Many persons run into a traffic jam, full shelters and can often times drive directlry into the weather that is threatening the area and causing the warning.

If you live in a Mobile Home, it is always a good idea to seek shelter in a more permanent structure. Other options could include friends, or family or public shelters. Mobile homes are not designed to with stand the winds and other threats associated with Severe Thunderstorms and Tornadoes.

Animals: If you are going to take animals to public shelters, please make sure to have complete control over your animal, and remember that not all animals get along well with other animals and often times other people. Just exercise extreme caution and be courteous. We are all there for the same reason and it can be an intense time for human and creature; every little bit we can do to make things easier for each other the better.

Are there any public tornado shelters?

After hours, the following buildings will be opened in the case of storm activity and are to be used as shelter areas.

Ag Hall (corner of Farm Road and Monroe):The south entrance at the east end is wheelchair accessible.

Engineering South (east of the Library): This basement is wheelchair accessible, but only by elevator.

***The Student Union Shelter has been temporarily closed until the Spring of 2012. This is due to renovations within this facility.***

Student Union (Use the Hotel or Parking Garage entrance after 5:00 p.m.): The entrance from the center-level parking garage is wheelchair accessible.

Register your Shelter