E-mail Question: Will the sirens work where I live? 2.11.09 @ 3:08A ET

Many are asking the question will the sirens work where I live if a tornado occurs? Here is an excellent article covering siren myths, where to get a weather radio cheap, and give you a little piece of mind on how to be prepared for dangerous weather any time of the day or night. Don't wait - get your family or business prepared NOW.

Thanks for writing to StormSector.com. Many visitors are interested in not just storm chasing but how severe weather threats their family and information on how to prepare for dangerous weather. Your author will try to give you as many free resources as possible along with a low cost way to find a weather radio for your home.

Will the sirens work?

The answer: Maybe, but don't count on it! That's right - not to sound accusative, but this is the plain truth. You must NOT depend on a outdoor warning siren to warn you while you are indoors of a tornado. Consider the power going out; a fast moving storm where warning may be limited or non existent! Unfortunately we are human and mistakes are made. Technology can also fail and sometimes does in the middle of dangerous weather. This is a common nightmare situation that may have recently occurred yesterday during a tornado event in tornado alley.

We've said it before that tornadoes can and do occur any time of the year. Although as a storm chaser I can define a "tornado season" - that is just the most likely month breakdown. There is no grantee you will not be threatened by a tornadic storm any other time of the year - even winter!

Sirens are supposed to warn me?! No, actually they were originally intended for war time purposes and then shifted towards outdoor warning for tornado threats. Although they are now mainly used for tornado warnings, they were never intended to be a warning source for home owners or people who were mobile. That is why it's important to listen to local radio, television, or check the internet for weather information. Always have more then one method to get your information as one may fail.

Where can I get a Weather Radio? Good question.

Although television, radio, local news, etc are good sources - a Weather Radio is like a weather warning pager that will sound a alarm 24 hours all year in the event severe weather hits your location. Price ranges are usually around $30-50 dollars US. They can be used with batteries as well if the power goes out. Here are some sources where you can get a low cost radio (see below)! Be sure to follow the instructions that come with the unit.

Hope this helps and thanks for writing to StormSector, Ben Alonzo.

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