When sirens blare: Don't ask why, take action Published July 24, 2008 By Capt. Joseph Coslett 1st SOW Public Affairs HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- As the steady, three-minute siren rang out, some people looked at one another with shrugging shoulders while others on Hurlburt Field knew what to do and where to go. Shortly after, several phone calls flooded the command post as people tried to figure out what was going on. This scenario is true, and it happened recently while a waterspout churned over the Santa Rosa Sound. "Prior to the waterspout we operated without many public inquiries. We believe folks have gotten use to the normal weather warnings," said Senior Master Sgt. Darnell Clark, 1st Special Operations Wing Installation Control Center superintendent. "On the day of the waterspout, as soon as we sounded the siren, our switchboard lit up like a Christmas tree." The wave of phone calls caused a ripple effect preventing the command post from disseminating lifesaving information to the masses. As a result, several lessons were learned, and changes were made. "One lesson is to lean forward as far as possible during this season with all systems at the ready to rapidly disseminate information over all available installation warning systems," Sergeant Clark said. "Now, in case of an emergency, we make getting the information out our top priority and answering calls a second priority. We know one of those calls could be from senior leadership, but we understand they would want us to continue to send mass notification of potentially lifesaving information." Another lesson learned is the base community needs better awareness. Everyone should know what the two different sirens mean and what actions to take during each one. The disaster warning siren is a three- to five-minute steady tone or a voice announcement. This indicates a disaster or incident affecting the base is imminent or in progress. Disasters that could initiate this siren include tornadoes, flash floods, hazardous material release or wildfires. When this siren is sounded, all personnel should be alert, ensure everyone around them is warned and follow instructions to take cover, evacuate to a safe location or shelter in place. The attack warning siren is a three- to five-minute wavering tone or voice announcement indicating an attack or hostile act is imminent or in progress. Examples include a vehicle bombing or terrorist release of chemical, biological or radioactive material. During this event everyone should be alert, ensure everyone around them is warned, implement security measures and follow instructions to take cover, evacuate to a safe location or shelter in place. When the threat is no longer present, the all clear voice announcement is made. Personnel should remain alert for secondary hazards, account for all personnel and report fires, injuries and hazards. These are the general guidelines to follow during any emergency. There are a specific set of actions that should be followed in case of a tornado, which is a pretty common threat in the area. Prior to a tornado: - Know the difference between a watch and a warning. If a tornado watch is issued, it means a tornado is possible. If a tornado warning is issued, it means a tornado was actually spotted, or is strongly indicated on radar, and to seek shelter immediately - If storms are approaching or any of the danger signs below are present, be prepared to take shelter immediately - Look for the following danger signs: dark, often greenish sky; large hail; large, dark, low-lying cloud (particularly if rotating); loud roar, similar to a freight train . A rapid change in air temperature as well as previously windy conditions suddenly becoming calm can indicate impending tornado activity - Be alert to changing weather conditions - Watch and listen to the base loud speaker, the Commander's Access Channel and warning pop up messages for the latest information. Also tune into local radio stations During a tornado: - If you are under a tornado warning, seek shelter immediately - If in a sturdy building, go to a pre-designated shelter area such as a safe room, basement, storm cellar or the lowest level of the building. If there is no basement, go to the center of an interior room on the lowest level away from windows, doors and outside walls. Put as many walls as possible between the shelter spot and the outside. Personnel should get under a sturdy table and use their arms to protect their head and neck. Do not open windows - If in a vehicle, trailer, or mobile home, get out immediately and go to the lowest floor of a sturdy building nearby or a storm shelter. Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes - If outside with no shelter, personnel should lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression and cover their head with their hands. Be aware of the potential for flooding - Do not seek shelter under an overpass or bridge. It is safer to be in a low, flat location - Never try to outrun a tornado in a car or truck. Instead, leave the vehicle immediately for safe shelter - Watch out for flying debris. Flying debris from tornadoes causes most fatalities and injuries After a tornado: - Safety is a primary issue, as are mental and physical well-being. If assistance is available, knowing how to access it makes the process faster and less stressful. - Listen and watch for the all clear instructions via the loud speaker, the Commander's Access Channel and pop ups - Remain alert for secondary hazards - Account for all personnel - Report fires, injuries and hazards "We want the public to know what to do in an emergency and act immediately to protect themselves based on that knowledge," Sergeant Clark said. "Do not risk your own life trying to find out why. We can assure you we will give out as much information as possible as we receive it." For more information on tornado safety, visit http://www.nssl.noaa.gov/edu/safety/tornado.html.