If a severe thunderstorm or tornado hits Warren County, one of the ways to communicate to residents involves using the outdoor sirens. Warren County Emergency Management Coordinator Troy Bass tells KNIA News his office takes into account when and if there are any outside activities or events going on before he makes the decision to use the tornado sirens, which is meant to be an alert system for those outdoors, rather than inside a building.

“If the storm siren goes off it will run for two minutes. When it runs for two minutes it is to let people outside know to take cover, it is not designed for everybody inside. Back for folks who remember the 70’s and earlier, during summertime people had their windows open because we didn’t have central air back then so people could hear the sirens, but it is designed for those outside.”

Bass also stressed the importance of making a plan with your family if you have not done so, and to put together an emergency kit.