ADAMS COUNTY — In light of the recent concerns brought forth by the devastating Wildfires in Lahaina, Hawaii it is important for the Citizens of Adams County to understand our Outdoor Warning procedures from Adams County Emergency Management.
The most important aspect to remember about the Outdoor Warning Sirens is that they are meant to be heard by those who are OUTDOORS to move indoors to seek additional information. They are not intended to warn those who are inside buildings or homes, although they may still be able to hear them.
Adams County has a policy to utilize several forms of public warning, which includes: Outdoor Sirens, Twitter, Facebook, Public Alerting including IPAWS (Integrated Public Alert and Warning) as well as public sign up warning under Adams County Alertsense (https://public.alertsense.com/SignUp/).
There are many phone Apps also available that will alert and notify the user, as well as a NOAA weather radio that puts out public warnings as well.
By Policy, our Outdoor Warning System can be activated through Emergency Management and the Hastings Dispatch Center, and is based on a set criteria:
- Tornadoes:
Radar Indicated weather event monitored by the National Weather Service of rotation or potentially life-threatening weather within 10 miles of an affected community or in the path of the event.
- Straight-line sustained winds of 80mph or greater associated with a Severe Thunderstorm
- Potentially life-threatening or damaging hail 2.75″ or greater (Tennis Ball or Larger)
- NWS Activation that includes Flash Flooding considerable or catastrophic, Destructive Thunderstorm Warning
- A Large Scale Hazardous Materials Spill that could harm the general public.
The activation of the Outdoor All Hazards Warning Sirens shall mean that Citizens should move to a place of safety, and seek detailed information for further specific actions to be taken.
The Sirens will NEVER be used as an All-Clear Signal. If the outdoor Sirens reactivate, it is due to continued or a new threat.
OUTDOOR SIRENS activate for 3 minutes continuously and can typically be heard up to 2 miles away, this could be less based on winds, thunder, and storms in the area.
Adams County has a total of 31 Sirens covering all incorporated Villages and cities, Pauline does not have a warning siren.
Always have multiple ways to receive your warnings including devices that are powered by a battery in the event the electricity is off.
Know and practice going to your safe areas to seek shelter, and stay prepared with a stocked emergency kit with supplies when/if needed.
Adams County tests our Outdoor Warning Sirens on the first Saturday of each month April through October at noon, this is a great time to practice your emergency processes with your family.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
