Emergency Warning System Activation Policy
I. Purpose
The Town of Tryon’s Primary public warning system is the Emergency Alerting System (Siren) positioned on top of Town Hall. The primary purpose for this system is to alert the public to severe weather either incoming and/or affecting the Town. Information for the activation of the system can come from several sources, not limited to the National Weather Service, County, State or Federal Agencies and local Public Officials.
II. Concept of Operations
The Emergency Alert system will be activated through the Tryon Police Department dispatch center when the following conditions are present:
Tornado Warning – A tornado has been visually confirmed and/or a tornado warning has been issued indicating that the Town of Tryon is in the path of an approaching tornado or whenever any reported tornado sighting within the Town is confirmed.
EM Director/Town Manager/Fire and/or Police Chief Discretion – Any situation where the aforementioned individuals feel it necessary to activate the system to provide public warning to imminent danger. Notification to activate can also be provided by the Shift Supervisor-in-Charge of the Tryon Police Department and/or Assistant Fire Chief.
Civil Defense – Any situation defined by the Federal Government as a threat to national security and the safety of the American public. These include: Imminent Attack, Uncontrollable Wild Fires, Public Address for Immediate Safety and/or shelter
III. Public Response and Further Actions
The Town shall make all efforts to inform and educate the public what actions to take when the siren is sounded for an emergency situation. These actions shall include, but not be limited to, tuning into local television and radio stations for further weather information, and taking immediate shelter from the perceived danger. Due to the nature of the situations which require the activation of the emergency warning system, citizens shall be encouraged not to call 911 unless in the event of an emergency due to the overwhelming number of calls received for emergency services personnel during such situations. The Tryon Police Department and Tryon Fire Department shall make every effort to make use of the PA (Public Address) features on their apparatus to disseminate information regarding the particular situation as well.
IV. System Testing
Unless notified in writing by the Town Manager, Police and/or Fire Chief, the Town of Tryon Emergency Alert System (Siren) will be activated for system testing the first Saturday of January, April, July, and October (i.e. quarterly) for 1 cycle at 1200 hours.
What you should know:
The Town of Tryon, in an effort to protect its citizens and visitors, is implementing the use of the public warning siren located on top of Tryon Town Hall. The siren will be tested the first Saturday of each month at 12 noon and will cycle for a total of 4 minutes. Outside of the test dates, if the siren is sounded it is to warn the citizens of an immediate impending danger, and that those who can hear the siren should take shelter immediately. The Town will initially use the siren only to warn of tornado warnings which are directly affecting the Town or Township. A Tornado Warning means that a tornado has been sighted or that one has been indicated by weather radar. The following is important information regarding what actions to take when a tornado warning has been issued for Tryon:
| If you are in: | Then: |
|---|---|
| A structure (e.g. residence, small building, school, nursing home, hospital, factory, shopping center, high-rise building) | Go to a pre-designated shelter area such as a safe room, basement, storm cellar, or the lowest building level. If there is no basement, go to the center of an interior room on the lowest level (closet, interior hallway) away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Get under a sturdy table and use your arms to protect your head and neck. Do not open windows. |
| A vehicle, trailer, or mobile home | Get out immediately and go to the lowest floor of a sturdy, nearby building or a storm shelter. Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes. |
| The outside with no shelter | Lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands. Be aware of the potential for flooding.
Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location. Never try to outrun a tornado in urban or congested areas 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. |
The Tryon Fire Department and Tryon Police Department will also be warning the public of the approaching danger by use of the public address systems on their apparatus. They will be out in the Town checking for damages and injuries during and after such an event. If you are in need of immediate emergency assistance please dial 911.