At a recent meeting, the Vinton City Council adopted a written policy to address activation of the outdoor warning sirens. This article explains this new policy. The city plans to also put a Frequently Asked Question sheet in utility bill mailings to also help with any questions on the new policy.

 

The City of Vinton has four outdoor warning sirens located in different locations around the city. The four locations ensure that, when activated, the sirens will alert individuals who are outdoors any impending emergencies. The sirens are also used during the daytime when the volunteer firefighters are summoned to an emergency.

 

The outdoor warning sirens will be activated by the Benton County Sheriff dispatch or by the Benton County Emergency Management Agency for a tornado warning issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) or when a tornado or funnel cloud is reported by a trained spotter from law enforcement, fire department or emergency management agency. The sirens will now also be activated when a severe thunderstorm warning is issued by the NWS or if winds of 70 mph are forecasted or occurring.

 

There are two key things to remember about the sirens:

 

1. A long-held belief was that if the sirens were sounded too often and nothing happened, a sense of complacency would develop among residents. Now, heeding the warnings is very important because the warning is more closely targeted to our area when issued. A tornado occurring in southern Benton County will not cause the NWS to issue a warning for Vinton unless it is headed toward us. The warning only will be issued when threatening weather is very close or approaching our immediate area.

 

2. The sirens are outdoor weather sirens. This means they are meant to warn people outdoors to seek cover and get additional information. You may be able to hear the sirens if you are indoors and live near the siren, but do not rely on it especially when you are asleep. Your best means of warning is a programmed NOAA all-hazards weather radio with a battery back-up. The radio can be programmed for alerts to a specific county. Place the radio near where you sleep so you can hear it at night. If the radio reception is poor inside your home, you may need to purchase a small external antenna.

 

As mentioned previously, the sirens will be activated during the day when the volunteer firefighters are dispatched. The sirens are also tested around noon on Saturday. If there is threatening weather during either of these times, the sirens will not be activated unless a warning is issued or severe weather is spotted.

 

While the sirens are activated by Benton County, they are owned and maintained by the City of Vinton. If you notice a problem with the siren in your area or have a question concerning the outdoor warning siren policy, please call Vinton City Hall at 472-4707.

 

Remember, the sirens are only one part of the weather alert system. It is extremely important that individuals take it upon themselves to look out for their safety and the safety of their families. Be aware of current weather conditions and know how to receive alerts and warnings indoors and outdoors.