Receive weather alerts, be prepared for spring storms

(ROCKWALL-April 24, 2013) In Texas, spring is the season when severe weather is most likely to strike. Severe thunderstorms may form in only a matter of minutes, possibly bringing with them large hail, damaging winds, dangerous tornadoes and lightning. These storms may also produce very heavy rain, dropping several inches in the span of an hour and potentially causing deadly flash flooding.

The City of Rockwall urges residents to be informed and prepare for severe weather and other threats. Preparedness includes having an emergency action plan at home, at school, and at the office and being ready to put it into action when necessary.

The City of Rockwall maintains numerous outdoor emergency warning sirens strategically placed throughout the city. These sirens are tested on the first and third Wednesday of each month at 2PM unless severe weather is in the area.  Outdoor warning sirens are used to warn citizens who may be outdoors of an imminent severe weather event in the community and to encourage them to immediately seek shelter indoors.

Sirens are not intended to warn citizens who may be indoors at the time of the event, although in some cases residents may hear the sirens while inside of their home or business.  When sirens sound, citizens who are outdoors should quickly move indoors and seek shelter in an innermost room, away from glass windows, and tune to a local news or radio station until it’s been conveyed that safe conditions are restored.

Residents are encouraged to have multiple ways of receiving important safety information such as weather warnings. One such way is by purchasing a NOAA Weather Radio for use in the home or office. In addition, Rockwall County Emergency Management utilizes Nixle, an emergency notification system that will allow users to receive an email or text message when severe weather is imminent.  In order to sign up for Nixle, please text RCOEM to 888777 or visit nixle.com.

Remember, never call 9-1-1 when you hear sirens sound unless you have a true emergency that requires police or fire response. Since lives could be at stake, 9-1-1 phone lines must remain clear in order to address true emergencies in a timely manner.

For more information about severe weather and other hazards, visit knowhat2do.com.

Source: Joey Boyd, City of Rockwall.

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