Citizen Safety Toolbox
Outdoor Warning Sirens
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Primary Activation Control:
The Office of Emergency Management
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Secondary Activation Center:
The Emergency Communications Center for the City of Springfield
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Tertiary Activation and Maintenance:
Springfield Public Works Department’s Maintenance Service Center
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Testing:
Second Wednesday of each month at 10:00 a.m. If unable to test the sirens on the second Wednesday,
the testing is cancelled until the following month.
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Activation:
Sirens are activated when:
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NWS issues a tornado warning with the jurisdiction in the warned polygon and in the path of
the storm
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A trained spotter reports rotation, funnel cloud, or tornado in the jurisdiction; may
include storms tracking towards the jurisdiction from Greene County or adjacent counties
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NWS issues a thunderstorm warning producing life threatening winds approximately 75 mph or
greater
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A trained spotter reports life threatening winds approximately 75 mph or greater in or
approaching the jurisdiction
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Monthly siren test – second Wednesday of the month at 10:00 a.m., weather permitting.
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Maintenance as needed
Sirens are Outdoor Warning Devices
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The primary purpose of the outdoor warning system is to warn people who are outdoors to seek shelter
immediately. We encourage you to adopt additional weather alert systems to ensure you receive
updated weather-related information in real-time during severe weather and other emergency events.
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Keep a weather radio on hand, enable emergency alerts on your smartphone, sign up for local weather
alerts through media partners, tune in to local news and weather coverage on TV and follow relevant
official agencies like OEM and the National Weather Service on social media.
Weather Alert Radio Importance Increased
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In January 2002, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) and the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) signed an agreement that allows emergency services to use weather alert
radios to warn people for all hazards: weather, hazardous materials releases, earthquakes, and
terrorist attacks. The benefit of the weather alert radio has increased significantly. It is no
longer solely a weather alert tool.
Report a Siren
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Need to report a siren issue? Click here to send an email to
OEM. City of Springfield’s Public Works department maintains all sirens located within the city
limits of Springfield, and follows up on all reported siren issues with additional research or
testing. Sirens located in surrounding municipalities are maintained by the respective municipality.
Safe Room Map
Outdoor Warning Siren Map
Preparedness Resources
Preparedness Plan
Emergency Kit Supply List
Prepare Now – Tips on How to Prepare for Disaster
Emergency Numbers
For any life-threatening emergency, please call 9-1-1!
Springfield – Greene County Area Phone Numbers