All Adams County Outdoor Warning Sirens will be tested during the drill on March 25, (City of Hastings, Courtesy)
HASTINGS — The City of Hastings in conjunction with Adams County Emergency Management encourages participation in the statewide tornado drill 10 a.m., Wednesday March 25.
This is a great opportunity for everyone to practice severe weather safety plans. This testing provides an opportunity for schools, businesses and citizens to review and practice their tornado safety measures, including going to a place of shelter.
All Adams County Outdoor Warning Sirens will be tested during the drill on March 25.
Most city facilities will participate in the drill. Those that do not, including the Hastings Public Library and the Hastings Museum, will conduct drills on alternative dates.
The tornado drill is part of Nebraska and Iowa Severe Weather Awareness Week, March 23-27. The statewide tornado drill also marks the beginning of the seasons for monthly testing of warning sirens.
Adams County Outdoor Warning Sirens are tested at noon on the first Saturday of the month, April through October. That monthly testing begins April 4. Do not call 911 during tests.
Siren testing will occur during the following dates:
• April 4
• May 2
• June 6
• July 4
• Aug. 1
• Sept. 5
• Oct. 3
Outside of the monthly testing, the Adams County sirens will only sound for the following reasons:
• Sustained winds greater than 75 mph
• Hail larger than 2 ½ inches
• Tornado warning
• A hazardous material incident
The safest place to shelter is the interior part of a basement. If there is no basement, go to an inside room, without windows, on the lowest floor. This could be a center hallway, bathroom, or closet.
If you hear warning sirens, go indoors, seek shelter and additional information. Account for staff and/or family.
If you are outside or in a vehicle and you are not close to a sturdy building, lay flat in a ditch or depression and cover your head and neck. Watch out for flying debris.
During a warning, you should not rely on the outdoor siren to alert you as to when it is all clear. Stay in place until your supervisor or a person of authority tells you it is safe to return.
The emergency is not over when the sirens stop. Multiple activations mean imminent threats may still exist.
Utilize a NOAA weather radio, Phone apps or the media to determine when it is safe to return.
Outdoor warning sirens are meant to be heard by those outdoors and is not a warning for those inside. Its purpose is to alert people to go indoors, take shelter and seek additional information.
Adams County Emergency Management will play host to a storm spotter training 6:30 p.m., April 1 at the Emergency Operations Center, 2965 S. Baltimore Ave.
For more information about the sirens or storm spotter training, contact Adams County Emergency Management at (402) 461-2361.
