Information about the Emergency Alert System

TESTING: The sirens are tested the FIRST THURSDAY OF EVERY MONTH between 9:30 am and 10:30 am. Should you hear the sirens at any other time, you should tune in immediately to Local Radio and TV Stations or City of Hermitage Emergency Radio Station 1610 A.M. and follow any directions given.

In the aftermath of severe weather conditions i.e. long term road closures, power outages, flood conditions, etc. refer to http://www.hermitage.net for updates.

IMPORTANT TERMS

 Remember the Difference:
Tornado or Storm Watch: Weather conditions are such that a strong possibility exists for severe weather to impact the city.

Tornado or Storm WARNING: A tornado or severe storm has been confirmed and detected by radar, visual sightings, or otherwise officially observed.  The WARNING indicates that our communities, when announced, are in the path of severe weather. You should immediately take the necessary action to protect your family and property.

ABOUT THE SYSTEM

The emergency warning system has a grid of six sirens strategically placed throughout the city.  If you hear the sirens, which will emit three, 3 minute wails over 9 Minutes, you should tune in immediately to Local Radio and TV Stations or City of Hermitage Emergency Radio Station 1610 A.M. to receive further information about the nature of the emergency.

City of Hermitage Radio Station WQGCF52-1610 A.M. also provides 24-hour weather information for the City of Hermitage.

BEFORE YOU HEAR THE SIRENS.

1) Have a family emergency plan made in advance

2) Have a designated area in your home you go to as a "safe haven" in an emergency

3) Have a designated meeting place for your family should you not be at home at the time of the emergency.  Have an out of the area relative or friend serve as a telephone contact where all can report everyone's status

4) Maintain a 48-hour basic food and medicine supply for your family and/or pets

5) Keep flashlights and batteries ready.  Generators must be run outdoors and away from the building- THEY GENERATE CARBON MONOXIDE GASES.

6) Train your family (or co-workers) how to turn off your home or building utilities, such as gas, electric, and water.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IN CASE OF A TORNADO

Seek Shelter IMMEDIATELY

If you are in:

1) A structure (such as a home, school, hospital or shopping center):  Go to a basement, storm cellar, or the lowest building level.  If there is no basement, go to the center of an interior room on the lowest level (closet, interior hallway) away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls.  Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside.  Get under a sturdy table and use your arms to protect your head and neck.  Do not open windows.

2) A vehicle, trailer or mobile home: Get out immediately and go to the lowest floor of a sturdy, nearby building or storm shelter.  Mobile homes even if tied down offer little protection from tornadoes.

3) The outside with no shelter: Lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands.  Be aware of the potential for flooding.  Do not get under and overpass or bridge.  You are safer in a low, flat location.  Never try to outrun a tornado in urban or congested areas in a car or truck.  Instead, leave the vehicle immediately for safe shelter.  Watch for flying debris.  Flying debris from tornadoes cause most fatalities and injuries.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IN CASE OF SEVERE STORM
  • Postpone outdoor activities
  • Get inside a home or building.  If no such types of shelter are available, get into or stay in your hard-topped vehicle (not a convertible) This is preferable to being outside
  • Remember, rubber soled shoes and rubber tires provide NO PROTECTION from lightning
  • Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage
  • Shutter windows and secure outside doors.  If shutters are not available, close window blinds, shades, or curtains
  • Avoid showering or bathing, plumbing and bathroom fixtures can conduct electricity
  • Do not use telephones, during severe storms unless it is a life-threatening emergency
  • Unplug appliances and other electrical items such as computers and turn off air conditioners.  Power surges from lighting can cause serious damages
  • Use your battery operated NOAA weather radio for updates from local officials
  • Never walk, wade, or dive through flooded areas.  Treat all wires lying on the ground or tangled in trees as energized and dangerous
  • Call 911 only if it is a life threatening emergency and you immediately need police, fire or emergency medical services.
  • Avoid the following tall trees in open areas: hilltops, open fields, the beach, or boat on the water, Isolated small structures, anything metal

For more information about storms safety and safety in general, visit  .http://www.fema.gov/areyouready

 

Joining Hermitage in using the siren system ...

Excerpt from Emergency Alert pamphlet issued October 25, 2005 by the City of Hermitage

John Daniels HVFD Webmaster, and Team