M.A.B.A.S
Division 20 Operational Guidelines, Procedures and Policies - 19
SUBJECT: EMERGENCY WARNING SYSTEM
Page 1 of 2
DATE IMPLEMENTED: JUNE 1, 1997 REVISED:
PURPOSE: To establish
an organized and efficient method by MABAS Division 20 fire
departments for the activation and operation
of EMERGENCY WARNING
SIRENS in the event of severe weather,
attack, or disaster.
INTRODUCTION
In
the event of any above stated emergencies, it can be confusing to our citizens
if warning sirens are heard sporadically and at different times. Not all warning systems have total coverage
for given communities. Having a unified
system will give many more people a chance to take appropriate action, thus
lessening our potential to treat many casualties.
TEST PROCEDURE
Illinois
Emergency Services and disaster Act of 1988 specifically indicates, "the
testing of disaster warning devices, including outdoor warning sirens, shall be
held only on the first Tuesday of each month at 10:00 A.M. and during training
exercises that are specifically and expressly approved in advance by the
Illinois Services and disaster Agency.
NORCOMM will coordinate activation
for testing using the procedure that would be used for an emergency
activation. Over the regular fireband, after activating the MABAS tone, NORCOMM will announce: This is a test of the emergency warning
system. Activate your warning sirens in
15 seconds. At the 15 second mark, NORCOMM shall say: Attention MABAS Division 20 -- Activate
the emergency warning system. This is a
test. Each department
should begin the test. Federal guidance
indicates that monthly warning system tests should occur in the following
manner.
"The
Attention or Alert signal should be
sounded for 1 minute. This should be
followed by 1 minute of silence, followed by the Attack warning signal sounding
for 1 minute."
This
testing procedure will establish a test exercise pattern different from that
used in an actual emergency, when the Attention/Alert
or the Attach Warning signal will
be sounded for 3 to 5 minutes.
If
some other emergency event is ongoing, the test should be delayed or canceled.
EMERGENCY ACTIVATION OF
WARNING SYSTEMS FOR SEVERE WEATHER
During
a severe weather incident, the warning systems should be activated if:
1.
A
tornado or funnel cloud aloft is reported within 5 miles of the Division.
2.
NORCOMM
receives information via its communication resources
M.A.B.A.S. Division 20 Operational
Guidelines, Procedures and Policies - 20
SUBJECT: EMERGENCY WARNING SYSTEM
Page 2 of 2
3.
A
confirmed sighting is reported by trained municipal employees, trained weather
spotters, or other reliable sources.
4.
Fast
moving weather systems such as wall clouds, severe wind fronts or other ominous
events.
If
activation of the system is required by a source other than NORCOMM, the
message should be given to NORCOMM via telephone. Keep in mind that departments should not call after a warning is
given over television screens or even weather radios. NORCOMM has capabilities to receive warnings and activate the
warning system before it's sometimes given by the National Weather
Service. if it is necessary to use the
radio because of a sighting by persons in the field, once NORCOMM has been
notified, this will suffice. Try not to
report same sightings, as this will overcrowd
the radio system. NORCOMM
using the NIFERN Frequency and MABAS Tone will announce: MABAS Division 20 to all locals -- Activate your warning sirens in
15 seconds for a tornado warning.
At the 15 second mark, NORCOMM shall say: Activate your warning sirens for the tornado warning. Once activated, the warning system should
not be re-sounded for the same storm or sighting. The warning system should be re-sounded for any new
confirmed sighting that meets the activation criteria described above.
NOTE: It is important to coordinate with whoever
has the capabilities to initiate the actual system in your community.
ALL CLEAR PROCEDURE: In keeping with the policy of the National Weather
Service, the issuance of an "all clear" statement should not
be issued by local government.
Residents requesting "all clear" information should be advised
to monitor commercial radio and television for further weather
information. No activation of outdoor warning signals should be used to signify the
"watch or warning" termination or any kind of "all clear" advisory.
NOTE: Weather warning is a steady siren for 3 to 5 minutes.
Attack imminent is a
wailing siren for 3 to 5 minutes.
Test is only 1 minute
event for each warning.