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EMERGENCY WARNING SYSTEM 

Miami Township’s sires are part of a system of 58 outdoors emergency warning sirens in Clermont County. The sirens are activated by the Department of Public Safety Services to warn those who are outside of the approach of severe weather and other hazards. The Miami Township Trustees purchased 13 sirens in 2001. The sirens are located
to provide over 95% coverage of the Township’s landmass. 

Remember: The outdoor warning sirens are intended to be heard outdoors only. When it looks like bad weather is approaching, monitor your local radio or television for current weather information. It is also a good idea to get a NOAA Alert Radio with a battery backup. When the siren sounds, DO NOT call 911 unless you have an actual emergency. This takes time away from answering calls for emergencies. Turn on your NOAA Alert Radio and/or tune in to a local channel on your radio or television for information.   

 Important Siren Facts 

Tornado Warning - Issued when a tornado has been sighted or is imminent. Move to a safe place immediately. 
Tornado Watch - Conditions are favorable for a tornado. Listen to your local radio or television station for further details. Be prepared to move to a safe place. 
Severe Thunderstorm Warning – Issued when a severe thunderstorm is approaching the area. These storms have the potential to produce a lot of lightening, strong winds, heavy rain and hail. 
Test - The sirens are tested the first Wednesday at noon, weather permitting.  

 How the System Works

When the Department of Public Safety Services receives notification of a Tornado Warning, a severe Thunderstorm Warning while a Tornado Watch is in effect, or the release of a hazardous material that will affect Clermont County the sirens in Clermont County and Miami Township are activated by a radio signal. Once activated, the system will sound a steady tone for three minutes.  

 When the Siren Sounds 

When you hear a siren immediately go indoors and listen to your NOAA Alert Radio and your local radio or television station for a description of the hazard and the protective measures to take. While riding in a vehicle, tune the radio to a local station for information, then follow the instructions. 

 Safe Places You Can Go 

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), basements and interior rooms are the safest places to be during a tornado. A good rule of thumb is to put as many walls and floors as possible between you and the tornado. Once you find a safe place, take shelter underneath a sturdy bench, table or in a stairwell. Crouch down and place your head between your knees, using your arms to cover your head. The least safe places to be are in a car or mobile home. Most tornado deaths occur in cars and mobile homes. If you are in a car, abandon it immediately and find a ditch to lie in. Never try to out run a tornado; it may be moving faster than you think! If you are in a mobile home go to the nearest designated tornado shelter or safe structure. If you do find yourself in a tornado's path, go to the basement. If there is no basement, go to an interior room on the lowest floor, such as a bathroom or closet. If possible, cover yourself with a blanket or mattress for protection from flying debris. Remember to stay away from exterior walls or glass-enclosed places and windows. 

In the case of a hazardous materials release the basement may not be the safest place. Listen to the NOAA Alert Radio and your local radio or television station for instructions.  

 Monthly Testing 

The outdoors warning sirens are tested the first Wednesday at noon, weather permitting. The sirens are not tested during potential severe weather to avoid confusion. During this test, the sirens are activated for 3 minutes.  

Tornado Tips 

If you hear the Emergency Warning sirens, be prepared to take immediate action. 

Go to a designated place of safety. The innermost section on the lowest possible floor is ideal for severe weather. 

Avoid auditoriums, gymnasiums, elevators, glass doorways and windows. 

Don't stop to close windows. 

Do not take cover in your car. 

Take cover under something sturdy, if possible. 

Do not stay in a mobile home. Go to a nearby shelter or lay flat in the closest ditch or ravine. 

Make yourself as small as possible and remember to protect your head.  

Lightning Safety Tips 

"If you can see it (lightning), flee it." "If you can hear it (thunder), clear it." 

“When thunder roars, go indoors!” 

Lightening can strike up to 10 miles away from its source. 

Seventy percent of all lightning strikes occur in the mid-afternoon hours. 

A natural instinct is to take shelter under a tree, which is the worst thing you can do. Of all lightening strikes, 25 percent of all people killed are standing under a tree when they get hit. 

Be aware of the possibility of dangerous approaching. When engaging in outdoors activities listen to the weather forecast before engaging in the activity, carry a portable weather alert radio, be aware of approaching storms, and take action as soon as you see lightening or hear thunder. Wait 30 minutes after hearing the last thunderclap before going back outdoors. 

Safe places: Inside a fully enclosed sturdy building (home, office building, shopping center) is the safest place to be. Vehicles with hard tops such as cars, SUV’s, minivan, and buses, with the windows rolled up, are safer than being outside. 

Unsafe places: Outside, picnic shelters, buildings without walls, tents (small or large) offer no protection from lightening. 

If you are caught outdoors, run to the nearest and safest place. If there is no safe place nearby run to the lowest and nearest area and position yourself 50’ away from tall and/or metal metal, put your feet together and sit on the ground. Put at least 10 feet between all members of your group. This is NOT a safe place, but only a last resort effort when no safe building or vehicle is available. 

 Hazardous Materials Release Safety Tips 

One of the instructions you may be given during a chemical emergency is to “shelter-in-place.” This means go to a small, interior, above ground room, with no or few windows, and taking refuge there. Close and lock all windows and doors, turn off fans, heating and air conditioning systems, close the fireplace damper, and bring your children and pets into the room. Take your family disaster supplies kit with you and make sure the flashlight and radio works. Once in the room seal vents and all cracks around doors and windows using heavy plastic sheeting and duct tape. Stay in the room listening to the radio until it is announced that it is safe to evacuate. 

Follow local officials’ instructions. It is against the law to tamper with or damage a siren (ORC 5915.14.3). Anyone caught tampering with a siren will be prosecuted and penalized accordingly (ORC 5919.99, Section C).