Oakland County Outdoor Warning Program

In 1977, Oakland County implemented an Outdoor Warning program to warn citizens of impending danger. This has been accomplished in partnership with local governments by installing outdoor warning sirens.

When sirens are activated, a three-minute tone indicates a tornado has been sighted in the area or strongly indicated on radar. Seek shelter and listen to the radio or television for more information. Do not call police, fire departments, news media, or City Hall.

What is the difference between a WATCH and a WARNING?

Tornado Watch: Tornadoes are possible.

 A Tornado Watch is issued when conditions exist for the development of a tornado. Watches are usually for areas about two-thirds the size of lower Michigan and are two to six hours long. Watches give you time to plan and prepare. Persons in or near a watch area should place small objects inside (such as garbage cans and bicycles) which could become deadly missiles. Make sure the entire family is informed and that they know what to do if a tornado is sighted. Keep children and pets under close supervision. Keep an eye on the sky and listen for additional statements and warnings.

Tornado Warning: A tornado has been sighted, take shelter immediately.

The local weather service office issues a Tornado Warning whenever a tornado has actually been sighted or is strongly indicated by radar. Warnings cover the entire county and are usually no longer than an hour and a half. If a warning is issued, seek shelter immediately.

Tornado Facts...

• Tornadoes can be nearly invisible, marked only by swirling debris at the base of the funnel. Some are composed almost entirely of windblown dust and still others are composed of several mini-funnels.

• On average, the United States experiences 100,000 thunderstorms each year. Approximately 1, 000 tornadoes develop from these storms.

• The average tornado moves from southwest to northeast, but tornadoes have been known to move in any direction. The average forward speed is 30 mph but may vary from nearly stationary to 70 mph.

• The average tornado is on the ground less than 10 minutes and travels a distance of about five miles. However, they have stayed on the ground for more than three hours and traveled more than 200 miles.

• Tornadoes do their destructive work through the combined action of their strong rotary winds, flying debris and the partial vacuum in the center.

• Tornadoes can occur at any time of the day or night and in any month of the year. However, most tornadoes occur in the months of April, May, June and July in the late afternoon and evening hours, usually between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Technically what is a tornado?

A tornado is a column of violently rotating winds extending down from a thunderstorm-like cloud, which touches the ground. It is spawned by a thunderstorm and produced when cool air overrides a layer of warm air, forcing the warm air to rise rapidly. The damage from a tornado is a result of the high wind velocity and wind-blown debris.

Funnel Cloud: A funnel cloud is a column of violently rotating winds extending down from a thunderstorm-like could but not touching the ground.

It's up to YOU!

Each year, many people are killed or seriously injured by tornadoes despite advance warning. Some did not hear the warning, while others received the warning but did not believe a tornado would actually affect them. The preparedness information in this brochure, combined with timely severe weather watches and warnings, could save your life in the event a tornado threatens your area. After you have received the warning or observed threatening skies, YOU must make the decision to seek shelter before the storm arrives. It could be the most important decision you will ever make!

For more information, please visit Oakland County's Web Page at: http://www.oakgov.com

In Home...

A basement offers the greatest safety. If possible, seek shelter under sturdy furniture. In a home without a basement, take cover in the center of the house on the lowest floor in a small room such as a closet, bathroom or under sturdy furniture.

In Mobile Homes...

Mobile homes are particularly vulnerable. When a tornado watch or warning is issued, take shelter in a building with a strong foundation. If shelter is not available, lie in a low-lying area a safe distance away from the mobile homes. Use arms to protect head and neck.

Vehicles...

Never try to out drive a tornado in a car or truck. Tornadoes can change direction quickly and can lift up a car or truck and toss it through the air. Get out of the car immediately and take shelter. If there is no time to get indoors, get out of the car and lie in a ditch or low-lying area away from the vehicle. Use arms to protect head and neck.

At Work or At School...

Go to the basement or to an inside hallway at the lowest level. Avoid places with wide-span roofs such as auditoriums, cafeterias, large hallways and windows. Use arms to protect head and neck.

In Open Country...

If possible, get into a sturdy building, or lie flat in a ditch or depression. Use arms to protect head and neck.