The Plano Emergency Early Warning System was installed in 1997.  There are 19 warning sirens located around Plano.  These sirens can be used to alert residents of severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, flash flooding and hazardous materials accidents.  They are also tested monthly

Each siren also provides both sounds and a voice message.

This System is tested monthly on the first Wednesday at noon.  During the test a voice message will announce the test, then be followed by four siren tones, each for 30 seconds.

During an actual emergency each tone will sound for three minutes (much longer).

There are several types of emergency warnings.  The most common is the Weather Emergency that will signal sever weather conditions such as a tornado sighting.

Here is what you should expect.

1. Weather Emergency - A long steady siren followed by a voice message.

2. Nuclear Attack - A long up and down siren followed by a voice message.

3. Hazardous Materials - A set of shorter, high and low alternating siren tones followed by a voice message.

4. Public Address Announcement - An intermittent low-pitched tone, similar to an air-horn, followed by a voice message.

Each voice message tells you the nature of the emergency.

When you hear the sirens:

1. Remain calm and stay inside

2. Tune your radio to 820 AM.

3. Listen for further instructions.

4. Take action.

5. Do not call 911 unless you are reporting a life-threatening situation.

You can best prepare for emergencies by doing the following.

1. Plan a safe place in your home for shelter.  It should be an interior room on the ground floor away from windows and exterior doors.

2. Keep blankets, water, non-perishable food, flashlights and personal hygiene items available.

3. Have prescriptions, drivers license, checkbook/credit cards and cash in an easy access location.

4. Maintain at least a 1/2 tank of gasoline in your vehicle at all times.

5. Keep your cellphone charged.

6. Talk with your family members about what you will all do if you are at home or elsewhere during an emergency.

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