Tornado siren, alert notifications to be tested next Monday

Phillips County Communications Center will be testing the emergency tornado sirens Monday, April 24, at 10 a.m. in Holyoke and 10:15 a.m. in Paoli.
    The alert notification system will be tested the same morning, 6:30-7:30 a.m. All landlines in Phillips County, with numbers beginning with 854- and 774- are automatically enrolled in the notification system, Comm Center director Kenny Gaskill said.
    In case of emergency, a phone call will come to the landline. Likewise, during Monday’s test, residents will receive a call with an automated message. They should listen to and follow the prompts, which will let the Comm Center know their calls have been effective.
    Those using cellphones can also register to receive emergency alerts by calling 970-854-2735. Cellphone users can sign up to receive their notices via phone call or text message. Anyone registered will receive a test message Monday morning. Phone calls, like with landlines, will contain verbal prompts to confirm receipt of the notification. Those notified via text message will be asked to reply to verify delivery.
    
    Understanding tornado sirens
    Although sirens are heard regularly at 7 a.m., noon and 6 p.m., as well as to summon the Holyoke Volunteer Fire Department, tornado alerts are noticeably different.
    When a tornado has been spotted within 10 miles of Holyoke by a certified weather spotter or emergency responder, the siren will blow continuously for three minutes, letting people know they should take shelter.
    If someone sees a tornado, they should alert the Comm Center so it can be confirmed and the siren activated.
    When a tornado is no longer a threat, an all-clear siren will sound. That signal has a distinct 30-30-30 pattern; the siren will blow for 30 seconds, then be silent for 30 seconds, then blow again for an additional 30 seconds.
    While the National Weather Service may issue a tornado watch or tornado warning, local sirens will not be activated unless there is a confirmed sighting of a tornado.
    Emergency shelters are available in case of a tornado at the Phillips County Event Center in Holyoke, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Amherst and the grain elevators in Paoli.
    If siren testing cannot be completed Monday due to inclement weather, it will be postponed to the next clear day.