HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — Ottawa County monthly siren tests resume at noon today, Friday, May 1, 2020.
April’s test was cancelled, but these tests are set, typically, on the first Friday of every month, April through October.
Outdoor warning sirens are one part of a broader public emergency notificationsystem. Other elements: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration(NOAA) All-Hazards Weather Radio; law enforcement; emergency management; textnotification networks; private sector meteorologists; and the media.
Outdoor sirens alert area residents and visitors of an imminent hazard, and prompt them to find shelter and seek further information.
Smartphone apps are available that will provide notification of weather watches andwarning. (Find WHTC’s online or via Google app or iPhone.)
Severe weather WATCH means the potential exists for the development of storms and/ortornadoes, alerting people to be aware of changing weather conditions.
Severe weather WARNING means that storms are imminent, or actively occurring.If a tornado warning is issued, people are alerted to take shelter in a location on the lowest level of a building, such as the basement or in a small windowless room at the innermost part of the building. Siren test days are a good time to practice your response.
Preparedness
- Identify safe rooms that may serve as a protective location during a storm event.
- Build an emergency kit, as well as a communication plan for your family.
- Be alert and remain situationally aware to changing weather conditions
- Subscribe to Ottawa County Emergency Alerts through your Smart911 profile.
After a Storm
- Listen to local officials for updates and instructions.
- Check-in with family and friends using text or social media outlets.
- Watch for debris and downed power lines.
- Photograph the damage to your property for damage assessment.
- Check and restock emergency supply kits.
For more information follow Ottawa County Emergency Management on Facebook@OttawaEM.
