Tulsa Emergency Management Agency educates on weather sirens and safety measures

In a recent meeting held at Tulsa City Hall, officials from the Tulsa Area Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) emphasized the importance of preparedness for severe weather emergencies. Joe Kralacek, the executive director of TEMA, highlighted the city's outdoor warning sirens, which play a crucial role in alerting residents to potential threats.

Tulsa's sirens emit three distinct sounds: a steady tone for tornado warnings, a different sound for nuclear threats, and another for flooding alerts. Kralacek urged citizens to familiarize themselves with these tones, as they can save lives during emergencies. He noted that the steady tone, often associated with tornado warnings, can also signal other hazardous situations, such as chemical releases. Residents are advised to take immediate shelter and stay tuned to local media for updates when they hear these warnings.

In an effort to enhance communication, especially for the deaf and hard of hearing community, TEMA introduced a free service called Okay WARN. This program sends weather emergency notifications via pager, email, or cell phone, ensuring that all participants receive timely alerts from the National Weather Service.

Steve Pilz, the meteorologist in charge of the National Weather Service in Tulsa, reinforced the unpredictability of severe weather, particularly during the spring season. He explained that thunderstorms can develop rapidly, sometimes producing tornadoes with little warning. Pilz encouraged residents to remain vigilant during severe thunderstorm watches and to have a plan in place for when warnings are issued.

As the meeting concluded, officials reminded attendees of the critical nature of staying informed and prepared. With the right knowledge and resources, Tulsa residents can better protect themselves and their loved ones from the dangers of severe weather. For more information on weather safety and emergency notifications, residents are encouraged to visit the TEMA website and download the Tulsa Ready app.