Tornado Sirens and Storm Preparedness

Last week East Tennessee had a series of very strong storms move through in the late evening. It was an East Tennessee Storm Chaser's dream, but proved devastating for several families as many homes and businesses were destroyed. In Greenback, TN an EF-3 tornado touched down and did irreplaceable damage. Despite all the damage, it could have been worse. It is no secret that the community was spared many lives lost because of working tornado sirens.

In light of this event I asked my friends on Facebook their opinion of tornado sirens and how Knoxville is notified of weather alerts. Currently, Knoxville does not have a working tornado siren system. As you may know, Knoxville sits in a valley, but has its fair share of rolling hilltops. These hilltops make the effectiveness of tornado sirens obsolete unless they are placed between 3 and 5 miles apart. Even at this distance they still may not be heard. Because of this, it has been decided that it is not time or cost effective to install sirens in Knoxville. Ideally it would be nice if, despite the cost, Knoxville could have tornado sirens, at least inside the city, or possibly in each school.

So, how is Knoxville notified of tornadoes? Through television broadcast and radio. It is essential that everyone in Knoxville have access to battery operated emergency radios. This is the only way they you are sure to get the alert when it sounds. When these storms hit it is never known if the power will be out. Having a battery operated radio and extra batteries can save your life and those around you.

Several news sites have "Emergency Lists." Take advantage of these lists and keep a storm pack in a safe area in your home. Practice with your children on were to go if the sirens go off. Have a plan. Storm season has only just begun and it has already proved to be a busy one.