By Marty Duffus
The recent nice weather has caused many of us to turn our attention to spring and hopefully bid farewell to a near record setting and long Iowa winter. Unfortunately, spring brings with it weather concerns like all the other seasons. We have all seen significant severe thunder storms or even tornadoes that have blown up in a very short time and caused tremendous amounts of destruction and even death. I thought since I am thinking positive and looking for this winter to end I would share the city's tornado siren policy.
One thing that constantly confuses people is the difference between or the interchangeability of the words "watch" or a "warning" as they relate to either a thunder storm or a tornado. They do not mean the same thing and the misuse or interchangeability of the words may lead to unnecessary damage or injury.
When a severe thunder watch or a tornado watch has been issued it only means that the conditions are favorable for a storm or a tornado to form. It does not mean that they have formed or have been seen. A warning on the other hand means that a storm or tornado has been spotted, actually exists and whatever is in its path is in imminent danger. Appropriate precautions should be taken immediately.
So when then do the tornado sirens blow in Osceola? What do they sound like? By policy whenever the National Weather Service issues a tornado warning that is inclusive of the city of Osceola and the city is in the path of the tornado, the tornado sirens will be activated. Additionally, whenever severe weather is active around Clarke County and Osceola, spotters from local fire departments, the sheriff's office and the Osceola Police Department are called out to monitor weather conditions. If any of those trained spotters observe a tornado, the sirens will be activated if the tornado is headed toward Osceola. The sirens are only activated in case of a tornado. They will not sound to warn of a severe thunderstorm.
When the sirens are set off to alert the public of imminent danger, the sound they make is one long continuous blast which lasts for three minutes. The all clear signal lasts for one minute and has variable tones. The all clear is sounded when the storm has passed and it is safe.
Last year, the city began testing its sirens on a weekly basis. We will continue the practice in 2010. Beginning Thursday April 8 at 9 a.m., the police department will test the tornado sirens on a weekly basis. The tests will be performed after that every Thursday at 9 a.m. and will continue into October.
The City will also participate in a statewide tornado drill on Wednesday April 7 at 9 a.m., which will also include the activation of the sirens.
If you have any questions or comments please contact me at the police department.