Clinton County Central Dispatch will be conducting our local tornado siren testing in conjunction with the Statewide Tornado Drill during Severe Weather Preparedness week. The siren testing will be on Tuesday, March 20, 2018 at approximately 10:15 a.m. and 7:35 p.m. It will be a full activation of the tornado sirens unlike our 30 second audible test on the first Saturday of each month. In the event of severe weather, the test will be postponed to Wednesday, March 21.
According to the National Weather Service, “The goal of Severe Weather Preparedness Week is to build toward a Weather Ready Nation where Hoosiers are prepared for and respond to all dangerous weather and flood hazards.”
It is important to know that the tornado sirens are only activated during a tornado warning or our routine testing. The tornado sirens are meant to warn people who are outside. They are not meant for indoor notifications although many people hear them due to their nearby proximity to the sirens.
Clinton County has a total of 12 sirens:
In Frankfort they are located at the Frankfort High School, S Williams Rd, W Barner St, Frankfort Street Department and County Rd 300 W.
In the County sirens are located in Colfax, Forest, Hillisburg, Kirklin, Michigantwn, Mulberry and Rossville.
We are able to activate the sirens for the entire County or by sections based off of the warning issued by the National Weather Service.
As a reminder – a Warning means a weather hazard is imminent or reported and requires immediate action to protect life and property.
A watch means hazardous weather may occur.
Central Dispatch Director Renee Crick would like to encourage everyone to purchase a NOAA All Hazards Radio. They are great inside your home and can be easily programmed for your local weather watches and warnings. They will also sound upon notifications and are excellent especially during night time storms when most people are sleeping.
Central Dispatch also offers a free service of Nixle notifications. Nixle notifications can be sent via text or e-mail. We have automatic broadcasts to our Nixle subscribers when the National Weather Service issues watches and warnings. Our Nixle notifications also help keep the public informed of road closures, traffic hazards etc., regarding public safety events happening in Clinton County. You can easily sign up by going to www.Nixle.com. We also offer a wide range of information on our website at www.clintonco.com/dispatch. Please follow our page on Facebook as well as Twitter @ClintonCo911.
Please take time to discuss what to do in the event of an emergency with your family.