The City of Sycamore has six Outdoor Warning Sirens strategically placed throughout the city.  Generally, early warning sirens are intended to alert our citizens and visitors of impending severe weather. However, early warning sirens may also be used to alert the public to a local emergency that could have significant impact on the community, such as a hazardous material incident.

 

For severe weather events, when are the sirens activated?

The early warning sirens will be activated when one or more of the following events occur:

• When a Tornado Warning for the Sycamore area is announced by the National Weather Service.
• When a funnel cloud or tornado is reported by a credible source within the City of Sycamore or Sycamore Fire Protection District.
• When National Weather Service Doppler Radar indicates tornado activity within the Sycamore Fire Protection District or City of Sycamore.
• When there are credible reports from neighboring communities indicating a funnel cloud or tornado tracking toward the City of Sycamore or Sycamore Fire Protection District.

 

When the Outdoor Early Warning Sirens are activated, the sirens will produce a continuous, steady pitched tone for a period of three minutes.

 

Is there an all clear siren?

No, the concept of an all clear siren is not used because of the improbability of knowing whether the siren was signaling continued danger or that the danger had passed. Therefore, we depend on the National Weather Service (NWS) and local media to inform citizens on the current status of the weather.

 

I cannot hear the siren from inside my home?

The sirens are not designed or intended to provide a warning to citizens inside their homes or business. In order to receive advance warning of threatening weather, it is recommended that you stay tuned to a local radio or TV and get a NOAA Weather Alert radio. Your Cell phone may also be equipped to receive Alerts. Stay informed by having multiple sources for weather alerts - NOAA Weather Radio, Weather.gov, and Wireless Emergency Alerts. Subscribe to receive alerts at: http://www.ready.gov/severe-weather.

 

What actions should be taken after the sirens sounds?

When the sirens are activated, citizens should immediately take shelter. Taking shelter in a designated safe room within a home, school or business should be preplanned and practiced so that everyone present can get to the shelter as quickly as possible after receiving a warning.

• Go inside a sturdy building to the lowest level away from exterior walls.
• Stay away from windows.
• Listen to your local radio or television station for the current status of the weather event.
• If there is no building available, and the storm is on top of you, find a ditch or low-lying area.
• Lay down and cover your head.

When are the outdoor warning sirens tested?

The sirens are tested every Tuesday morning at 10:00 a.m. During the weekly test, the sirens will produce a continuous, steady tone for a period of one minute. If you are made aware that the warning siren in your area is not working, please contact the Sycamore Fire Department at 815-895-4514.