STILLWATER EMERGENCY COORDINATION AND COMMUNICATIONS CENTER

WHAT DO I DO WHEN I HEAR THE TORNADO SIRENS?

The City of Stillwater tests the sirens on the first Tuesday of each month at 11:30 a.m. If you hear the sirens at any other time, there is the possibility of a weather-related or other 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.

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

The City of Stillwater has installed outdoor tornado warning sirens throughout the City to warn residents when they are outside of their homes (in cars, back yards, ball fields, swimming pools).

How are the sirens activated?

The Emergency Operations Center is located in the Police Department of the City of Stillwater and supervised by the Chief of Police. 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, morning or night, that a storm threatens the City.

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 ¾ inch diameter or larger hail and damaging thunderstorm winds 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 multiple 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 go to a safe 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.

Keep listening to local radio broadcasts over the emergency alert system. Or stay tuned to Cox cable television for warning information. Keep listening to local radio broadcasts over the emergency alert system.

• RADIO STATION'S-DIAL
• KSPI FM-93.7
• KSPI AM-780 (daytime only)
• KVRO FM-101.1
• KGFY FM-105.5
• KOSU FM-91.7

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.

4-H Youth Development Bldg. (corner of Hall of Fame and Monroe): The south-center entrance is wheelchair accessible.

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.

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.