For Immediate Release

March 17, 2011

Dublin to activate sirens as part of a statewide tornado drill

(DUBLIN, Ohio) - The City of Dublin will be participating in the statewide tornado drill at 9:50 a.m. Wednesday, March 23 as part of Severe Weather Awareness Week. The activation will last a full three minutes.

Severe spring and summer weather is a constant threat to Ohioans. Lightning, thunderstorms, flooding and tornados destroy homes and lives far too often. When a disaster strikes, you may have only seconds to seek safe shelter. Knowing what to do can greatly increase your safety. Make a plan for when severe weather happens.

  • Put as many walls and floors as possible between you and the tornado

  • A basement is one of the best places to go, but if there is no basement, go to an interior room on the lowest floor, such as a bathroom or closet

  • Cover yourself with a blanket or mattress to protect yourself from possible flying debris

  • Stay away from exterior walls or glass enclosed places and windows

  • Make yourself as small as possible and remember to protect your head

  • Keep a disaster kit in your home in case of emergencies (battery powered weather radio, flashlight, blankets, cell phone, batteries, etc.)

  • When it looks like severe weather is approaching, monitor your local radio or television for current weather information and further instructions.

The City operates 26 outdoor warning sirens within the City and Washington Township. These sirens complement the Franklin Co. Outdoor Siren Warning System, which is one of the largest systems in Ohio and the U.S. These outdoor warning sirens are referred to as the Dublin Emergency Warning System.

The Dublin Emergency Warning System is sounded whenever the National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Warning that impacts the Dublin area or whenever an on-duty police or fire official has spotted a tornado in the Dublin area. The sirens will activate for three minutes followed by silence for seven minutes. This activation cycle will continue until the weather warning is canceled.  

For more information, visit the City’s Emergency Management and Preparedness Page or contact Tom Hirschy, emergency management coordinator, at 614-410-4808.

 

For more information

Contact: Megan Canavan at 614.410.4504 | 614.327.6827 | mcanavan@dublin.oh.us | Twitter: @dublinohio