Outdoor Warning Sirens 

Outdoor warning sirens prompt anyone outside to seek shelter when there is possible danger from severe weather. If you hear sirens, use a weather radio, tune into your local news channel and/or look at a weather alert app on your phone to get up-to-date weather information.

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When do the sirens sound?

Outdoor warning sirens will be activated when the National Weather Service (NWS) issues a tornado or straight-line wind (>70 mph) warning in or close to the City of Bouton. 

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NOTE: Bouton sirens DO NOT have an all-clear sound. If you hear the weather sirens, take cover and look for more information on your local news station or weather app.

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Tornado Safety Tips

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) offers these tips for staying safe during a tornado:

• Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or television for tornado warnings and instructions.

• If you hear that a tornado or a storm threatens, seek shelter immediately.

• If you are in a building, go to the designated shelter, the building's basement, or an interior room, such as a bathroom, or closet.

• If you are in an automobile, do not try to out-drive a tornado. Abandon your vehicle and seek shelter in a ditch or depression.

• If you are in a mobile home, leave it for a more substantial structure. You should plan on heading for the storm shelter at the first sign of severe weather. As we all know from countless news stories, mobile home parks are often the scene of numerous deaths or injuries.

• Protect your head and body from flying debris.

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​Winter Weather Safety Tips

Winter storms create a higher risk of car accidents, hypothermia, frostbite, carbon monoxide poisoning, and heart attacks from overexertion. Winter storms including blizzards can bring extreme cold, freezing rain, snow, ice and high winds. Be cautions when going out in winter storms. Remember, we not only want you to be safe, be we want to keep our first responders safe as well. If you do need to be out, make sure to give yourself plenty of time; have a blanket, water and food in your vehicle; a full charge on your phone; and leave room for the vehicle ahead of you and be vigilant of plows and first responder vehicles.

• Stay off roads if at all possible. If trapped in your car, then stay inside.

• Create an emergency supply kit for your car. Include jumper cables, sand, a flashlight, warm clothes, blankets, bottled water and non-perishable snacks. Keep a full tank of gas.

• Limit your time outside. If you need to go outside, then wear layers of warm clothing. Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.

• Reduce the risk of a heart attack by avoiding overexertion when shoveling snow and walking in the snow.

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Generator Safety
Generators can be helpful when the power goes out. It is important to know how use them safely to prevent carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning and other hazards. Keep these tips in mind when using a generator.

• Generators and fuel should always be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows, doors and attached garages.

• Install working carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can kill you, your family and pets.

• Keep the generator dry and protected from rain or flooding. Touching a wet generator or devices connected to one can cause electrical shock.

• Always connect the generator to appliances with heavy-duty extension cords.

• Let the generator cool before refueling. Fuel spilled on hot engine parts can ignite.

• Follow manufacturer’s instructions carefully.

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Resources

Winter Weather Safety​

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