COLUMBIA, MO (April 25, 2011) -

With warmer weather and the increased possibility of severe thunderstorms, the Columbia/Boone County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) reminds residents of the importance of the county’s outdoor warning sirens. OEM is responsible for activating over 80 outdoor warning sirens across the county in the event a tornado warning is issued by the National Weather Service (NWS). 

“Outdoor warning sirens are designed to save lives in the event of a tornado and other events that may impact our area.  It’s important for residents to know their purpose,” says OEM Director Zim Schwartze.  “We’ve already seen the impact that tornadoes can have this spring and we cannot emphasize enough that people need to pay attention to the outdoor warning sirens.  In talking with members of the public after recent tornado warnings for Boone County in March and April, I have found that there are several misconceptions about how the sirens are used and when they are activated.  These misconceptions could result in residents taking the wrong steps in the event of a tornado.”


Schwartze says outdoor warning sirens are activated when:

*A tornado warning has been issued anywhere in Boone County by the National Weather Service.

*A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued in which extensive damage is highly probable for the county.

*Reliable information has been received advising extensive storm damage is occurring and/or a funnel cloud has been sighted which threatens the county (“reliable information” could be from an authorized spotter, a law enforcement officer, or from several citizens who are reporting the same activity).

*Sustained damaging winds (70 MPH or higher) are occurring in the county.

*The Emergency Management Director or Weather Watch Coordinator orders the activation.


In addition, Schwartze says the timing of the siren activation has been misunderstood.  “When we activate the outdoor warning sirens, they will only sound for three minutes and will only sound again if a NEW threat is received or conditions drastically change.  And most importantly, we will NOT activate the sirens to indicate an ‘all clear’ message to the public.  We want everyone to make their own decisions regarding when it is safe as our weather here in mid-Missouri can change very quickly.”

Schwartze also says since the majority of our community live and work in the central portion of the county the sirens are sounded for the entire county, regardless of the location of the threat, to avoid confusion.

Schwartze once again stresses that outdoor warning sirens are designed solely to be heard by persons who are outdoors.  Residents who live near the sirens should not depend on the sirens to alert them of tornadoes.  “If you are in your home or another building, you need to have a NOAA weather radio nearby.  These inexpensive radios are sold at a number of local businesses and can be programmed exclusively for your county.  We also recommend staying in tune with local media whenever severe weather threatens.”

When a tornado warning is issued, move to an interior room on the lowest floor of the building and avoid windows.  If in a mobile home, a vehicle or outdoors, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris.  The Columbia/Boone County Office of Emergency Management encourages everyone to have a plan for what to do before and after a disaster. OEM has links to a number of publications addressing severe weather preparation on our website, www.gocolumbiamo.com/EM.