Emergency Warning System

The City of Wadsworth has an emergency warning system in place to warn people, specifically those that are outdoors, that dangerous weather is approaching their area. The siren system will be sounded any time a severe thunderstorm, and/or tornado, is reported to be approaching the Wadsworth area.

Any notification by the National Weather Service, NWS trained spotter, or Wadsworth safety forces member, will constitute an official report of severe weather.

During a severe thunderstorm warning the sirens will make 3 low "whoop" sounds, followed by a voice message stating that a severe weather warning has been issued for the area. This message will be repeated 4 times, once to the north, south, east, and west.

Tornado Warnings

During a tornado warning, the sirens will make a "wail" noise for 3 minutes. This will be followed by a voice message stating that tornado warning has been issued for the area. This message will be repeated four times, once to the north, south, east, and west.

Safe Places You Can Go

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), basements and interior rooms are the safest places to be during a tornado.

• A good rule of thumb is to put as many walls and floors as possible between you and the tornado. Once you find a safe place, take shelter underneath a sturdy bench, table or in a stairwell. Crouch down and place your head between your knees, using your arms to cover your head.

• The least safest place to be is in a car. If you are in a car, abandon it immediately and find a ditch to lie in. Most tornado deaths occur in cars. Never try to out run a tornado; it may be moving faster than you think!

• If you do find yourself in a tornado's path, go to the basement. If there is no basement, go to an interior room on the lowest floor, such as a bath room or closet. If possible, cover yourself with a blanket or mattress to protect yourself from flying debris.

Remember to stay away from exterior walls or glass-enclosed places and windows.

Tornado Tips

If you hear the Emergency Warning sirens, be prepared to take immediate emergency action.

• Go to a designated place of safety. The innermost section on the lowest possible floor is ideal

• Avoid auditoriums, gymnasiums, elevators, glass doorways and windows.

• Don't stop to close windows.

• Do not take cover in your car.

• Take cover under something sturdy, if possible.

• Do not stay in a mobile home. Go to a nearby shelter or lay flat in the closest ditch or ravine.

• Make yourself as small as possible and remember to protect your head.

Remember

The warning sirens are heard best outdoors, they may not be heard inside due to varying atmospheric conditions and the distance of your home to the closest siren.

When severe weather is forecasted for our area, or it looks like bad weather is approaching, monitor your local radio or television for current weather information.

It is also a good idea to get a backup battery powered weather radio.

Important Storm Facts

Tornado Warning - Issued when a tornado has been sighted or is eminent. Seek safety and move to a safe place immediately.

Tornado Watch - Conditions are favorable for a tornado. Listen to your local radio or television station for further details. Be prepared to move to a safe place.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning - issued when trained spotters or a doppler capable weather radar indicate a strong thunderstorm is producing dangerously large hail or high winds, capable of causing significant damage. It does not account for lightning or flooding. 

Severe Thunderstorm Watch - Severe thunderstorms are likely to occur. Watch the sky and stay tuned to know when warnings are issued. 

Lightning Safety Tips

"If you can see it (lightning), flee it."
"If you can hear it (thunder), clear it."

Lightning Facts

• Seventy percent of all lightning strikes occur in the mid-afternoon hours.

• A natural instinct is to take shelter under a tree, which is the worst thing you can do. Of all lightening strikes, 25 percent of all people killed are standing under a tree when they get hit. This is because the positive charges on the ground shoot up to meet negative charges in the thundercloud. They take the quickest route up, which is usually a tree.

• About 100 people are killed every year in the United States by lightning.

• Getting struck by lightning can pack a punch. A bolt can contain up to 100,000 volts of electricity.

Siren Testing

The siren is tested weekly, every Saturday, shortly after noon. The weekly test consists of a "This is a test" voice message without sounding the actual siren. Any testing of the siren itself will be preceded and/or proceeded by the test message.

The sirens may be tested for maintenance purposes at other times. A test voice message will be broadcasted when applicable.

A full siren test occurs every March in conjunction with the statewide tornado drill. 

More Info

There are 8 sirens located in Wadsworth. Should you notice a malfunctioning siren, please call the communciations center at 330-334-1511 and they will pass a message on to our maintenance provider.

Please note that these sirens work best for those that are outside to take shelter during dangerous weather. Due to weather conditions you may not be able to hear the siren at all times. Be sure to stay tuned to your local radio, tv, or internet weather provider when severe weather is forecasted for our area.

Keep a battery powered radio (preferably a weather radio) handy in case power is interupted to ensure you are able to hear important messages related to the weather and other emergency information.

It is against the law to tamper with or damage a siren (ORC 5915.14.3). Anyone caught tampering with a siren will be prosecuted and penalized accordingly (ORC 5919.99, Section C)

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