Question: How are the Outdoor Weather Sirens supposed to work?

Answer:

The National Weather Service advises all people that the outdoor weather sirens are just that: they warn occupants outside of approaching severe weather. With today's more modern and efficient homes that are sealed well for energy purposes, the siren sounds can be drowned out by television, radios, kids playing, appliances running, etc. The Lincoln Fire Department recommends that all residents purchase home weather alert radios that will activate automatically when severe weather enters our county. Weather radios are just as important in your homes as smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.

Question: When are sirens tested?

Answer:

Sirens are tested according to local or state policies. In Lincoln and Logan County, the monthly testing is conducted on the first Tuesday of each month at 10:00 A.M.

Question: Will the sirens warn me of every dangerous storm?

Answer:

The safest approach is to be proactive and use all of the information available to protect yourself and your family from threatening weather. Nothing can replace common sense. If a storm is approaching, the lightning alone is a threat. Sirens are only one part of a warning system that includes preparation, NOAA Weather Radios, and local media.

Question: Why are the outdoor warning sirens sometimes sounded for hail and wind?

Answer:

When thunderstorm winds exceed 70 mph, trees can be uprooted or snapped. Hail that is golf ball-sized or larger can break windows. Both of these things pose a direct risk to life if people are caught outdoors. An increasing number of communities (including Lincoln) are incorporating these threats into their outdoor warning siren policies.