NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 10, 2012

SUBJECT: Testing on outdoor emergency sirens may cause activation of units

CONTACT: Lynn Onstot, Public Information Officer
417-624-0820, ext. 204

The City of Joplin is in the final stages of upgrading the siren activation software. In order to test the software, certain sirens will be “bump” tested during the days of Monday, August 13 through Wednesday, August 15. A “bump” test is a short, audible, siren activation that lasts just a second. It will only be performed weather permitting. Not all sirens will need to be tested in this phase.
This upgrade effort is part of the City’s decision to improve the siren activation system. The upgrade includes additional sirens, solar panels for backup power supply and multipoint activation capabilities.
Citizens should be aware of this testing. No critical weather is forecast at this time, so please note that the sounding of the siren(s) in Joplin is a step in this upgrade of the outdoor emergency siren system.
If you have any questions, please contact Keith Stammer, Emergency Management Director, at 417-623-5858.
Stammer reminds citizens that sirens serve as outdoor warning devices to be heard when they are outside of their home or business and alerts them of impending danger from severe storms and tornadoes. When the sirens are sounding, people should be taking cover at that time. The sirens are only a part of the storm warning system and are not always heard when inside the home or business. It is strongly urged that citizens purchase a weather alert radio available at most stores that sell electronics.