Emergency Warning Systems

Last Updated on Wednesday, 14 March 2012 11:30 |

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Outdoor Warning Systems

NOAA Weather Radio

The fastest, most accurate and reliable means of receiving severe weather information is through a NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) Weather Radio with a “tone alert” feature and battery backup. Weather radios may be purchased at local electronics stores.

NOAA Weather Radio is operated directly from the National Weather Service office in Indianapolis, Indiana which provides coverage for Hancock County . The weather radio “tone alert” is activated when weather watches and warnings are issued. Newer models are capable of warning you only if severe weather is expected to reach Hancock County . This feature is called Specific Area Message Encoding (S.A.M.E.). Ask your local electronics retailer for help programming your weather radio before you leave the store.

WARNING SIRENS

Throughout Hancock County, severe weather sirens are located to warn our citizens of impending severe weather.

Outdoor warning sirens should NOT be relied upon as the primary means of severe weather notification. Weather radios are the preferred method.

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NIXLE Notification System

NOAA Weather Radios remain the primary means of severe weather notification.

The Nixle system will be a secondary means to update and notify the community of severe weather and important community information.

Sign up at Nixle.com today!

Official Notifications by E-Mail and Text Message

Hancock County Emergency Management will utilize a new service to access important, valuable community information when you need it, using the latest technology.

Our agency will create and publish messages through the Nixle Community Information Service. Nixle will then deliver this information to you instantly via text, email and/or web message. Notifications can also be accessed online at Nixle’s web site at www.nixle.com.

Example messages may include weather as well as other relevant safety and community information.

The service is secure, reliable and easy for our group to use. YOU decide what information you want and whether you want it sent to your cell phone, email, or just simply over the web.

Please register now at the company’s main web site: www.nixle.com. There you can also access their Frequently Asked Questions.

New communication forms continue to evolve and we believe this service will allow us to keep you informed in the most convenient, reliable way possible.

Category: Hancock County Government Departments / Hancock County Emergency Management

Severe Weather

TORNADOS

Terms used to describe tornado threats and severe weather:

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH

means that the current atmospheric conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms. Severe thunderstorms include torrential rainfall, damaging winds, dangerous lightning and hail. Severe thunderstorms can also spawn tornadoes. Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio or local commercial television or radio stations for current information and possible warnings.

TORNADO WATCH

means that the current atmospheric conditions are favorable for the development of tornados. Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio or local commercial television or radio stations for current information and possible warnings.

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING

means that a severe thunderstorm is actually occuring within the area for which the warning is being issued. Those persons outside should seek shelter immediately and tune to a NOAA Weather Radio or local television or radio station for developing information.

TORNADO WARNING

means that a tornado has been sighted or indicated by National Weather Service radar. This is an extremely dangerous situation and you should take shelter immediately.

THINGS YOU SHOULD DO:

1. Purchase a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and battery backup.

2. Develop an Emergency Plan with your family.

3. Maintain a Disaster Supply Kit