Preparing for Severe Weather

Severe Weather

We live in an area that is prone to severe weather. Tornados can occur at any time of the year. Now is the time to make sure you have a plan for severe weather. A NOAA Weather Alert Radio/Monitor with battery backup is an excellent investment in your family's safety. These radios can be programmed to alert you when Tornado, Thunderstorm or high wind warnings are issued by the National Weather Service for Anna and the surrounding area. These radios are readily available at most Radio Shack, Home Depot and Lowe's stores or through many online vendors.

The City also encourages you to sign up for the Hyper Reach emergency alert system. Hyper Reach weather warnings will notify your phone of choice in the event of severe weather. Sign up for Hyper Reach.

Outdoor warning sirens are designed to alert those at greatest risk, (persons outside) to take cover. The sirens are NOT designed to alert those indoors. If you live close to a siren, you may hear it in your home. But you need to be aware of changing weather conditions and forecasts.  In order to provide seamless activation capabilities, all of Anna’s outdoor warning sirens are activated by the National Weather Service (NWS) through a hard-coded interface. This interface utilizes polygons generated by the NWS geo-mapping alert system. If a NWS Severe Thunderstorm or Tornado Warning polygon overlays any portion of Anna’s city limits, the sirens will be activated automatically. The NWS establishes the parameters for all weather warning alerts.

What people need to know if they hear a siren:

Each siren makes the sound of one long wail which is distinctly different from the short, repetitive wails of fire engine sirens or police car sirens. If you are OUTSIDE when you hear the siren, take cover immediately inside of a sturdy building. Once inside, monitor emergency radio advisories by listening to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) via weather radios (strongly recommended), commercial radio or television newscasts for weather alerts and warnings.

In order to maintain a reliable warning system, we conduct "silent" tests.  If you hear the Outdoor Warning Sirens, it is to be taken seriously.

For more information on severe weather precautions, visit the NOAA website.