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Emergency Management

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1. When do the sirens sound?

Outdoor warning sirens are one method used to alert citizens of a current or potential emergency. To provide a "tornado warning" is a typical use, but outdoor warning sirens may be used for other emergencies as well.

When the sirens sound, go indoors, seek shelter, and monitor local media and your all hazards NOAA Weather Radio if you have one.

Regarding Tornadoes
The Outdoor Warning Sirens will be sounded when:
- A confirmed funnel has been spotted within a 12 to 15 mile approach of the community, OR
- A confirmed tornado has been spotted within a 12 to 15 mile approach of the community, OR
- The National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Warning for eastern Morton and southwest Burleigh Counties to include the Cities of Mandan and Bismarck.

Confirmation of a funnel cloud or tornado may occur through the National Weather Service, trained Law Enforcement Officers, or trained Weather Spotters. Remember, a Tornado Warning means that a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. A Tornado Watch means that conditions are favorable for the formation of a tornado. The Outdoor Warning Sirens will not be sounded for a Watch.

There is NO "All-Clear" sounded by the outdoor warning sirens. The all-clear will be made over NOAA Weather Radio, local radio stations, and cable TV.

Note: The outdoor warning sirens are tested on the last Friday of each month at 9:30 am.

2. Tornado Sheltering - Where and When?

The best place is in the center of the basement under a sturdy workbench or under the stairway. If you do not have a basement, go to the lowest level of a sturdy building and put as many walls between you and the outside as possible and avoid areas with exterior windows and doors. In a school or other large building, go to the lowest level and into a bathroom or a hallway near the center of the building. Stay away from large wide open rooms like an auditorium or gymnasium!

All citizens need to plan ahead to identify where they will shelter during a tornado watch and warning. The city of Bismarck does not own or operate emergency tornado shelters. Those who live in mobile homes or other vulnerable structures should discuss sheltering possibilities with nearby friends, neighbors, relatives, etc. The best time to relocate to the shelter area is during a tornado watch. Do not purposely wait until a tornado warning is issued. Consider purchasing a NOAA Weather Radio to get your tornado watches and warnings as soon as possible. Even if you should happen to be sleeping, you can get the alert.

3. How can I be alerted of watches and warnings issued when I'm sleeping?

To add additional protection while you are inside, consider purchasing a NOAA Weather Radio (all hazards).
We recommend the purchase of a radio with the SAME feature (Specific Area Message Encoding) which means the receiver is capable of turning itself on from a silent mode when the signal for your area is sent out. These radios can be programmed for a specific county (or counties) so you do not receive alerts from areas far away. You should also choose a model that provides you with the option of selecting which alerts you want to receive and which alerts you prefer to deactivate.

4. Why don't I hear the sirens inside my house?

The siren system was designed as a warning device to people that are outside of their homes, away from radio or television, which may be broadcasting warnings. The system was never designed to be a warning device for people inside their homes. Some people will be able to hear the siren indoors, depending on how close the indoor location is to the nearest siren and other factors such as soundproofing, indoor noises, and wind conditions.