When extreme weather hits, minutes can save lives. People are warned of life-threatening weather via many means 맥스카지노� one of the most memorable, perhaps, is the ominous wail of an outdoor warning siren. The outdoor sirens are meant to alert anyone outside of a life-threatening situation, to seek shelter and to find out more information.While outdoor sirens may seem like a relic of the past, their role remains vital, particularly for those caught outdoors or in areas with limited cellphone service. When is peak tornado season? While these outdoor sirens may be used particularly during tornado season or hurricane season, tornadoes can happen at any time of year. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), peak tornado season occurs during the following times: In the Southern Plains (which includes Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas) tornado season is from May to early June. The Gulf Coast's tornado season occurs earlier in the spring. Northern Plains and the Upper Midwest area (which includes North and South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa and Minnesota) experience tornado season in June or July. Who activates the sirens?Contrary to popular belief, local city or county officials 맥스카지노� not the National Weather Service (NWS) 맥스카지노� decide when to activate outdoor sirens. This includes local police, fire or emergency department personnel. The NWS issues severe thunderstorm and tornado warnings and then passes this information to local officials who decide whether to sound the alarm. What factors trigger the sirens? There's no national protocol on when to use outdoor sirens. Each city or county makes its own guidelines on when to activate the sirens. Be sure to check with your local government on their specific guidelines and when you should expect to hear them being tested. Generally, the sirens are turned on when life-threatening weather approaches, which can include tornadoes, large hail, and severe thunderstorms with winds of 70 mph or more.Modern enhancements and equipmentOutdoor warning sirens were first introduced during the Cold War to warn of an air raid or nuclear attack. Since then, outdoor siren technology has improved. Modern sirens can be more energy-efficient, with some using solar power. They also have localized warning systems for better accuracy and targeting.Newer sirens can also be deployable. Officials in Louisville, Kentucky, recently introduced their new "Rapid Deployable Siren" that can be placed at major outdoor events like the Kentucky Derby. Newer systems also include sensors that can provide real-time diagnostics as a way to improve efficiency and reduce maintenance time. Why they still matterDespite the rise of smartphones and alert apps, sirens remain an essential tool in areas where modern technology doesn맥스카지노�t reach, like hiking trails or remote landscapes. The No. 1 instruction is to make sure you have multiple ways of staying alert. Experts recommend: Having a weather radio,Turning on weather notifications on your phone,Downloading your local TV station's news app and turning on notifications, andKeeping mobile alerts on overnight, especially during tornado season.