The City of Forney’s new outdoor warning system has twelve siren towers strategically placed around Forney city limits.
Outdoor warning systems are intended to alert nearby residents who are outside of their homes, or buildings, in the event of a public emergency. When sirens are activated, residents should seek shelter indoors and tune to local news sources to gain further information on the emergency.
There are three specific trigger points for activation of the outdoor warning system: A confirmed tornado or tornadic activity, 1.25” (ping pong ball size) hail, or sustained winds of 70 MPH plus winds.
Warning System Specifications
What to Do When You Hear a Warning Siren
Residents will hear a steady signal of the sirens for 3-5 minutes. Seek shelter in an interior room in your home or office like a bathroom, closet, or other room. Avoid outside walls and windows. Use pillows or get under heavy furniture for protection.
Listen for essential emergency information on a battery-powered device. Don't call local fire or police agencies to ask why the sirens are sounding unless immediate assistance is needed. All local channels will interrupt programming to issue Tornado Warnings and advise you where the tornado is located.
If you are outdoors when the sirens go off
Seek shelter immediately. If shelter is not available and severe weather is in the area lie in a ditch, ravine, culvert or low-lying area. Make sure the low-lying area you choose is not prone to flooding. Use your arms or a piece of clothing to protect your head and neck.
If you are in a mobile home or a vehicle
Mobile homes and vehicles are vulnerable to tornadoes and severe thunderstorms. Residents of mobile home parks should have a designated shelter in the community or a plan to evacuate to an off-site shelter location. If there is no time to get to shelter, abandon the mobile home or vehicle and lie flat in the nearest ditch or depression with your hands covering your head. NEVER try to out run a tornado.