Outdoor Warning Sirens (commonly referred to as tornado sirens)

  1. What does it mean when I hear the outdoor warning sirens?
    1. It means that something life threatening is happening, and you should go indoors and get more information.

  1. What should I do when I hear the outdoor warning sirens?
    1. When the sirens are heard, go inside and tune to local media to get more information.

  1. Why can’t I hear the outdoor warning sirens in my house?
    1. Sirens are an outdoor warning system designed only to alert those who are outside that something dangerous is approaching.

  1. When are outdoor warning sirens tested?
    1. Sirens are tested on Saturday at noon, the exception being if severe weather conditions are predicted for that day.

  1. Why don’t the outdoor warning sirens sound an all-clear signal?
    1. People should be indoors and monitoring local media for updates on the storm. The intent of the outdoor warning siren system is to alert people to go inside and gather more information.

  1. Who activates the outdoor warning sirens?
    1. Activation of the outdoor warning siren system is a cooperative effort by the Bethany Police and Fire Departments. On duty Dispatchers and Fire department personnel will monitor the weather conditions and sound the sirens when a dangerous storm is approaching Bethany.