West Memphis improves tornado siren coverage

City’s location in the heart of ‘ Tornado Alley’ requires preparedness

news@theeveningtimes.com Last year, 35 tornados ripped through Arkansas, resulting in two fatalities and four reported injuries.

West Memphis Director of the Office of Emergency Management DeWayne Rose took the occasion of the month of March as the traditional start of tornado season to address recent social media complaints about city tornado sirens not being heard during regular Saturday noon testing conducted by the West Memphis Fire Department.

He pointed out storm preparation and emergency communication options during severe weather outbreaks.

Rose offered a map and coverage areas for the six sirens blanketing the city.

The fire department maintains and tests the sirens on a regular basis during fair weather. The director said sirens were one facet of a multi-pronged tornado warning system and urged residents to plug into other warnings. Modern design and construction often damp down outside noise with sound proofing, so other warning systems serve to augment the emergency sirens.

“These sirens may not be heard inside a residence or business,” said Rose.

“Homes and businesses today are built to withstand outside noise and this includes weather sirens.

Have a way to be notified of severe weather inside your home/business, such as weather apps, smart phone with emergency alerts enabled, or a NOAA weather radio.”

Two school gymnasiums in the city offer emergency storm shelter during tornado warnings. These shelters were located at Marion School District, VPA Gymnasium, 1402 Crestmere, (formerly Avondale Elementary School) and the ASU Mid-South Gymnasium, 2000 West Broadway, South Campus.

Make sure you are ready for a tornado. Ready.gov offered these preparedness tips:

• Go to NOAAWeather Radio and your local news or official social media accounts for updated emergency information.

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DeWayne Rose TORNADOES

Follow the instructions of state, and local officials.

Go to a safe shelter immediately, such as a safe room, basement, storm cellar or a small interior room on the lowest level of a sturdy building.

Stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls.

Do not go under an overpass or bridge. You’re safer in a low, flat location.

Watch out for flying debris that can cause injury or death. Use your arms to protect your head and neck. If you can’t stay at home, make plans to go to a public

Image courtesy West Memphis Office of Emergency Management