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Tornado Safety
Tornado Watch
A tornado watch means conditions are right for a tornado; be alert and watch local conditions.
Tornado Warning
A tornado warning means a tornado has been sighted and residents should take protective measures. If there is warning time, alert sirens will be used. The warning for tornadoes is a high/low wail.
Siren Information
When the Siren Is Sounded
Why do we have a Siren and what is it used for?
Early warning sirens are audible devices used to warn the public of an actual or impending emergency situation. A siren's volume is capable of covering about a one mile radius from its location. The siren is designed to alert citizens who are outside but citizens inside buildings may hear the siren if they are close to the siren location.
The Village of Kenilworth's siren is located behind the Village Hall and operated by the police department. The original purpose of the siren was to provide notification of weather emergencies, but the siren may also be activated during other emergency situations which could endanger all Kenilworth residents.
Siren Testing
Warning sirens are tested on the first Tuesday of each month at approximately 10 a.m.
During a Tornado Warning
A tornado watch means conditions are right for a tornado; be alert and watch local conditions.
Tornado Warning
A tornado warning means a tornado has been sighted and residents should take protective measures. If there is warning time, alert sirens will be used. The warning for tornadoes is a high/low wail.
Siren Information
When the Siren Is Sounded
- Residents are asked to not call 911 or other emergency numbers for information if weather conditions are severe and the siren is sounded. A call asking why the siren was activated ties up the phone lines, and could delay police or fire response to those in need of emergency service.
- Seek shelter in a basement.
- If no basement is available, go to the middle of the house away from glass and breakable items. Keep a flashlight and radio with you.
- Tune your radio to WKRS (1220 AM) or WXLC (102.3 FM) for further information.
Why do we have a Siren and what is it used for?
Early warning sirens are audible devices used to warn the public of an actual or impending emergency situation. A siren's volume is capable of covering about a one mile radius from its location. The siren is designed to alert citizens who are outside but citizens inside buildings may hear the siren if they are close to the siren location.
The Village of Kenilworth's siren is located behind the Village Hall and operated by the police department. The original purpose of the siren was to provide notification of weather emergencies, but the siren may also be activated during other emergency situations which could endanger all Kenilworth residents.
Siren Testing
Warning sirens are tested on the first Tuesday of each month at approximately 10 a.m.
During a Tornado Warning
- Go at once to a basement, storm cellar, or the lowest level of the building. If there is no basement, go to an inner hallway or a smaller inner room without windows, such as a bathroom or closet. Get away from corners because they tend to attract debris. Try to get under a piece of sturdy furniture such as a workbench, heavy table, or desk and hold on to it. Use your arms to protect your head and neck.
- If you are outdoors during a tornado warning, try to get inside a building. If shelter is not available or there is no time to get indoors, lie in a ditch or low-lying area or crouch near a strong building. Be aware of the potential for flooding. Use your arms to protect your head and neck.
- Develop an emergency communication plan for you and your family. In case family members are separated from one another during a tornado, have a plan for getting back together. Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the "family contact." After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Make sure every one knows the name, address, and phone number of the contact person.