Outdoor Warning Siren Activation and Map
How and when do the warning sirens become activated during an emergency?
In 2013, Calhoun County implemented a sectional siren activation plan through CCCDA. Within this plan, the entire county is broken down into four (4) different sectors: Northeast, Southeast, Southwest, and Northwest (see below). As a single point of service, Calhoun County Dispatch sends the signal which activates any/all functioning sirens maintained by that municipality and in conjunction with the emergency warning plan.
During any storm, both Emergency Services and Calhoun County Dispatch are in direct contact with the National Weather Service (NWS), receiving updated information continuously and live tracking information. Tornado (emergency) outdoor sirens are activated by sector based on the location of the identified tornado along with the direction of travel and speed provided by the NWS.
Sirens are activated based on the location of the storm, and not countywide, to avoid over-warning or 'crying wolf.' This advancement in technology and the implementation of sector activation helps to keep more individuals and businesses in our community safe. For example, if there is a tornado located in the City of Albion, and tracking eastbound, there is no need to activate sirens in Battle Creek.
Outdoor warning sirens will also be activated for severe thunderstorms with winds of 80MPH or greater. Severe straight-line winds of this nature can be as damaging as a weak tornado. There is no 'all clear' siren, additional activations of the sirens would indicate that the threat is still present and potentially more imminent.
What can you do to help?
Please do not call 9-1-1 if your local siren is not functioning as the tornado may not be in your area or headed your direction. There are numerous notification devices and apps that are able to show the location and direction of any spotted tornado. Calling 9-1-1 may unintentionally inundate the system and directly impact those individuals who have an actual emergency.
In 2013, Calhoun County implemented a sectional siren activation plan through CCCDA. Within this plan, the entire county is broken down into four (4) different sectors: Northeast, Southeast, Southwest, and Northwest (see below). As a single point of service, Calhoun County Dispatch sends the signal which activates any/all functioning sirens maintained by that municipality and in conjunction with the emergency warning plan.
During any storm, both Emergency Services and Calhoun County Dispatch are in direct contact with the National Weather Service (NWS), receiving updated information continuously and live tracking information. Tornado (emergency) outdoor sirens are activated by sector based on the location of the identified tornado along with the direction of travel and speed provided by the NWS.
Sirens are activated based on the location of the storm, and not countywide, to avoid over-warning or 'crying wolf.' This advancement in technology and the implementation of sector activation helps to keep more individuals and businesses in our community safe. For example, if there is a tornado located in the City of Albion, and tracking eastbound, there is no need to activate sirens in Battle Creek.
Outdoor warning sirens will also be activated for severe thunderstorms with winds of 80MPH or greater. Severe straight-line winds of this nature can be as damaging as a weak tornado. There is no 'all clear' siren, additional activations of the sirens would indicate that the threat is still present and potentially more imminent.
What can you do to help?
Please do not call 9-1-1 if your local siren is not functioning as the tornado may not be in your area or headed your direction. There are numerous notification devices and apps that are able to show the location and direction of any spotted tornado. Calling 9-1-1 may unintentionally inundate the system and directly impact those individuals who have an actual emergency.
Outdoor Warning Siren Test
Outdoor warning siren testing occurs on the first Saturday of the month at 1:00 pm for all jurisdictions in Calhoun County.
Outdoor warning siren testing occurs on the first Saturday of the month at 1:00 pm for all jurisdictions in Calhoun County.
Location of Emergency Sirens
Many times we receive questions about where is the closest emergency siren to a particular address. Below are the approximate locations of all sirens within Calhoun County.
Many times we receive questions about where is the closest emergency siren to a particular address. Below are the approximate locations of all sirens within Calhoun County.
