Town of Tryon
Emergency Warning System Activation Policy
I. Purpose
The
Town of Tryon’s Primary public warning system is the Emergency
Alerting System (Siren) positioned on top of Town Hall. The
primary purpose for this system is to alert the public to severe
weather either incoming and/or affecting the Town. Information
for the activation of the system can come from several sources,
not limited to the National Weather Service, County, State or
Federal Agencies and local Public Officials.
II. Concept of Operations
The
Emergency Alert system will be activated through the Tryon
Police Department dispatch center when the following conditions
are present:
Tornado Warning
- A tornado has been visually confirmed and/or a tornado warning
has been issued indicating that the Town of Tryon is in the path
of an approaching tornado or whenever any reported tornado
sighting within the Town is confirmed.
EM Director/Town Manager/Fire and/or Police Chief Discretion
- Any situation where the aforementioned individuals feel it
necessary to activate the system to provide public warning to
imminent danger. Notification to activate can also be provided
by the Shift Supervisor-in-Charge of the Tryon Police Department
and/or Assistant Fire Chief.
Civil Defense
- Any situation defined by the Federal Government as a threat to
national security and the safety of the American public. These
include: Imminent Attack, Uncontrollable Wild Fires, Public
Address for Immediate Safety and/or shelter
III. Public Response and Further Actions
The
Town shall make all efforts to inform and educate the public
what actions to take when the siren is sounded for an emergency
situation. These actions shall include, but not be limited to,
tuning into local television and radio stations for further
weather information, and taking immediate shelter from the
perceived danger. Due to the nature of the situations which
require the activation of the emergency warning system, citizens
shall be encouraged not to call 911 unless in the event of an
emergency due to the overwhelming number of calls received for
emergency services personnel during such situations. The Tryon
Police Department and Tryon Fire Department shall make every
effort to make use of the PA (Public Address) features on their
apparatus to disseminate information regarding the particular
situation as well.
III. System Testing
Unless notified in writing by the Town Manager, Police and/or
Fire Chief, the Town of Tryon Emergency Alert System (Siren)
will be activated for system testing the first Saturday of
January, April, July, and October (i.e. quarterly) for 1 cycle
at 1200 hours.
What you should know:
The Town of
Tryon, in an effort to protect its citizens and visitors, is
implementing the use of the public warning siren located on top
of Tryon Town Hall. The siren will be tested the first Saturday
of each month at 12 noon and will cycle for a total of 4
minutes. Outside of the test dates, if the siren is sounded it
is to warn the citizens of an immediate impending danger, and
that those who can hear the siren should take shelter
immediately. The Town will initially use the siren only to warn
of tornado warnings which are directly affecting the Town or
Township. A Tornado Warning means that a tornado has been
sighted or that one has been indicated by weather radar. The
following is important information regarding what actions to
take when a tornado warning has been issued for Tryon:
|
If you are in: |
Then: |
|
A
structure (e.g. residence, small building, school, nursing
home, hospital, factory, shopping center, high-rise
building) |
Go
to a pre-designated shelter area such as a safe room,
basement, storm cellar, or the lowest building level. If
there is no basement, go to the center of an interior room
on the lowest level (closet, interior hallway) away from
corners, windows, doors, and outside walls. Put as many
walls as possible between you and the outside. Get under a
sturdy table and use your arms to protect your head and
neck. Do not open windows. |
|
A
vehicle, trailer, or mobile home |
Get
out immediately and go to the lowest floor of a sturdy,
nearby building or a storm shelter. Mobile homes, even if
tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes. |
|
The
outside with no shelter |
Lie
flat in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head
with your hands. Be aware of the potential for flooding.
Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a
low, flat location.
Never try to outrun a tornado in urban or congested areas in
a car or truck. Instead, leave the vehicle immediately for
safe shelter.
Watch out for flying debris. Flying debris from tornadoes
causes most fatalities and injuries. |
