Know what it means when Dearborn’s emergency sirens are sounded – and what you should do

If you live or work in Dearborn, do you know what it means when the city’s emergency warning sirens are sounded? And do you know what to do when you hear them?

Here are the answers to these important questions.

WHAT DO THE SIRENS MEAN?

The sirens are sounded for three reasons. The first and most important reason is to alert the public to a potential hazard, such as a tornado, heavy storm or other types of severe weather.

Examples of other types of hazards are a train derailment, a hazardous material spill or a gas main break.

The second reason is – during the winter months – to alert Dearborn residents to move their parked vehicles off of the streets to clear the way for snow plows.

The third reason is monthly testing: Dearborn’s emergency sirens are tested at 1 p.m. on the first Saturday of every month.

WHAT DO I DO IF I HEAR THE SIRENS?

If the sirens aren’t being sounded for snow plowing or for monthly testing, they are being activated to alert you to a potential safety hazard.
First, immediately seek shelter. If you are outside, get inside. If you are inside, stay inside. Once inside, it’s recommended to stay away from all windows. Consider going to an interior room or the basement.

Second, check for more information about what’s happening.

HOW CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION?

When the sirens sound, check local radio or TV stations for severe weather conditions or for news on other public safety hazards . Consider buying a battery-operated weather radio.

If time allows, emergency information may also be posted on CDTV, the City of Dearborn’s government access TV channel (Channel 12 on Comcast, Channel 10 on WOW!), and on www.cityofdearborn.org.

WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW?

Also, although the siren system is typically activated throughout the city, the system does permit warnings for localized events – such as something that might only affect an individual neighborhood or section of Dearborn.

IN SEVERE WEATHER, WHAT IS THE CITY’S POLICY?

Residents should be aware that, with respect to severe weather, the City of Dearborn’s official policy is to sound the sirens whenever any of the following conditions occur:

• A tornado warning is issued for Wayne County by the National Weather Service.
  
• A confirmed tornado sighting in Wayne County.
  
• When severe thunderstorm warnings include information that the storm will produce winds of 70 miles per hour or more.