Warnings

Many communities have siren systems. The standard signal that has been adopted nationwide, is the Attention or Alert Signal. This is used to get the attention of citizens in times of threatened or impending natural disasters such as a tornado, flood, or other emergency. The signal itself is a 3-5 minute STEADY BLAST on the sirens. The Attention or Alert Signal means to turn on your radio or television for important information concerning a disaster. If regular programming is continuing, the signal is most likely a test of the siren system.

What to Do When The Signal Sounds. If you hear the Attention or Alert Signal, turn on the radio or TV, tune to any local station, and follow the official instructions being broadcast.

Don't Use The Telephone. Don't use the telephone to obtain further information or advice about the emergency. Depend on the radio or television set, since the government agencies will be broadcasting all available information. The telephone lines will be needed for official calls and must be kept open.

Warning Methods. There are several different ways to notify the citizens during times of threatened or impending emergencies or disasters such as a tornado, flood or other hazard. These include, but are not limited to:

* NOAA Weather Radios - tone-activated radios which provide an alert tone.

* Emergency Alert System - the emergency system utilized by radio and television stations to alert citizens of impending danger. This utilizes a brief tone followed by an emergency message on the radio or a crawler which includes a tone on television.

* Cable audio override system provides an audible message over all television cable stations giving emergency information.

* Emergency Warning Notification (computer ring-down system utilizes a computer programmed to call and/or page both citizens and emergency responders with an emergency message).

* Emergency response personnel in the field may notify the public by either going door-to-door with an emergency message or utilizing a PA system on automobiles.

* In some areas colored flags are used as a means of notification - green indicates that everything is clear; yellow indicates a watch and red indicates a warning. Citizens are educated to what each flag signifies and when they observe either a yellow or red flag, they are to turn on their radios for specific information.

Information for Emergency Managers (requires password)

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This site is currently maintained by Chris Sorensen, Public Information Officer, Kiowa County Division of Emergency Management and Chad Ray, Regional Field Manager, Southeast Colorado All-Hazards Region, Colorado Division of Emergency Management. Comments and suggestions are welcome.