[Press Release] : FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monthly Outdoor Warning Siren Test Planned for Wednesday, January 4th

[Press Releases]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Zim Schwartze, Emergency Management Director
(573) 874-7400

Monthly Outdoor Warning Siren Test Planned for Wednesday, January 4th

COLUMBIA, MO (January 3, 2012) - The Columbia/Boone County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) will conduct its monthly test of all hazard outdoor warning sirens on Wednesday, January 4th, weather permitting.  The test is conducted to ensure the city and county's outdoor warning system is working correctly.  

"While this is a routine test by our office, we would like to encourage everyone to use it as an opportunity to assess their disaster plans," according to OEM Director Zim Schwartze.  "Whether it is at home, at school or in your business, it's a good idea to discuss emergency plans with family or staff.  There is no such thing as too much preparation, especially when it comes to disaster." 

The Office of Emergency Management tests its outdoor warning sirens on the first Wednesday of each month as they are used as a way to warn citizens in reference to all types of hazards.  In the event of threatening weather conditions, the test is postponed.

Outdoor Warning Sirens Are Activated When:

*A tornado warning has been issued anywhere in Boone County by the National Weather Service.

*A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued in which extensive damage is highly probable for the county.

*Reliable information has been received advising extensive storm damage is occurring and/or a funnel cloud has been sighted which threatens the county. "Reliable information" can be from an authorized weather spotter, law enforcement officers, and/or from several citizens who are reporting the same activity.

*Sustained damaging winds (70 MPH or higher) are occurring in the county.

*Non-weather related emergencies that impact and/or endanger large areas of our County.  This includes incidents such as terrorist attacks and major chemical spills.

*The Emergency Management Director or Weather Watch Coordinator orders the activation.

Remember: When the Office of Emergency Management activates outdoor warning sirens, they will only sound for three minutes and will only sound again if a NEW threat is received or conditions drastically change. Outdoor warning sirens will NOT be reactivated to indicate an 'all clear' message to the public. 

 


 -30- 

______________________________________________________

You have received this message because you subscribe to the City of Columbia’s Web Mail service. To view linked material click on provided links or copy and paste them into your browser's address menu.
______________________________________________________

If you would like to stop receiving messages, modify list options, or subscribe to other lists visit the Web Mail section of our Web site and follow the instructions provided. 

http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/Web_Mail/
______________________________________________________

Archived press releases can be viewed online at:
http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/Public_Comm/Public_Information/Press_Releases/
______________________________________________________

If you would like to stop receiving messages, modify list options, or subscribe to other lists visit the Web Mail section of our Web site and follow the instructions provided. 

http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/Web_Mail/