It is possible for anyone to get severe weather notifications that provide details and action steps needed to save lives. Some options include:
- Set up “Severe weather alerts” on your smartphone or smart speaker
- Purchase a NOAA Weather Radio
- Watch news media coverage and pay attention to the Emergency Alert System Emergency Alert System on radio and TV broadcasts
- desktop applications
- mobile applications
Tornado sirens were developed to alert people outside to move to a safe indoor location. Tornado sirens were never intended to be heard indoors or wake people from sleeping. Evidence suggests that tornado sirens can actually add to confusion during an emergency weather situation. Instead of seeking shelter, human nature leads us to seek more information before taking action, when action is required.
Tornado forecasting has improved dramatically over the last three decades with the availability of Doppler weather radar. Additionally, technological advances over the last 25 years have made it possible for anyone to get severe weather notifications that provide details and action steps needed to save lives. For these reasons, the city of Sturgeon Bay no longer maintains tornado sirens.
Keep yourself and your family safe. Visit www.ready.gov/tornadoes for information on tornadoes, developing a plan and what to do in the event of a tornado.
