Hinsdale Adopts New Severe-weather Siren Policy

The following is a release from the and the :

Severe weather such as tornadoes, lighting, flash floods and damaging winds strike Illinois each spring, summer, and fall. While most tornados occur between April and June, dangerous weather can strike at anytime and with little warning. In the last several years, the western suburbs have experienced significant flooding, power outages, and damage to property with devastating effects.  

In an effort to allow for more effective outdoor warning siren notification, the has adopted the DuPage County Outdoor Warning Siren policy which was recently revised and implemented for the purposes of uniform siren activation criteria in DuPage County communities.  The new policy guidelines provides for specific activation criteria complemented with public education regarding individual action(s) that should be taken when severe weather is imminent.

Dangerous weather conditions are sometimes unpredictable and advance siren activation is not always possible. Do not wait for the outdoor warning systems to sound. When dangerous weather conditions are observed people are encouraged to take shelter immediately and not only monitor local news media weather reports, but rely on NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) weather radio reports which provide the most current weather information and warnings. 

Outdoor warning sirens will be activated for the following weather criterion:

• Confirmed sighting of a tornado, tracking toward the community, is reported by a trained weather spotter within the community or surrounding communities.
• The receipt of a tornado warning, issued by the National Weather Service, including the community.
• Reports of significant ongoing storm damage (i.e. uprooted trees, structural damage, multiple broken windows, de-roofing(s) secondary to storm-related winds.

When residents hear the outdoor warning siren, which is a 3-5 minute constant blare, they should seek a place of shelter immediately. In a home, go to the basement and get under the stairwell or under heavy furniture. If there is no basement, go to an interior closet, hall or bathroom on the lowest floor and stay away from windows. In schools, hospital, churches and office buildings, go to small interior rooms or interior halls on the lowest floor.

Stay away from windows and large areas with free span roofs such as gymnasiums and cafeterias. If in a vehicle, seek a nearby reinforced building. If there is no building or shelter, lie flat in a ditch as a last resort. Do not seek shelter under an overpass.

The Memorial Building, Hinsdale Hospital, Library, Police and Fire Department buildings are all designated public shelters during severe weather emergencies. If you are outside during an impending storm and hear the outdoor warning siren, you can seek refuge in any of these buildings.

As a national standard, there is no “All Clear” signal. Once the outdoor warning siren sounds, residents should seek refuge and tune into local news media or NOAA weather radio for the status of severe weather in the immediate area. During these times, only call 911 in the event of a life threatening emergency.

Remember, severe weather can strike at any time, day or night. The outdoor warning sirens are designed to only be heard while outdoors. Residents are encouraged to have an NOAA weather alerting radio (with a battery back-up) capable of activating an alerting tone when dangerous weather conditions approach.

To educate the public on the outdoor warning siren procedures and to help residents prepare for severe weather emergencies, the Hinsdale Fire and Police Departments will be conducting a one hour seminar on Surviving Severe Weather Emergencies at the Hinsdale Community House in May and June.

For more information about the seminar or to sign up, contact the Community House at 630-789-7500. For more information regarding the Village Outdoor Warning Siren Policy, contact the Hinsdale Fire Department at 630-789-7060, the Hinsdale Police Department 630-789-7070, or visit the Village of Hinsdale website: www.villageofhinsdale.org