Solid Tone On Alarm Saturday Causes Many To Question Its Meaning
The familiar tone of the fire whistle could be heard throughout the Wolf Point and Poplar communities Saturday, June 15, when Roosevelt County Dispatchers activated the emergency siren at about 7:15 p.m. — except the whistle remained one solid tone, which caused many to wonder what was going on.
According to the Wolf Point Volunteer Fire Department, the county dispatch set off the solid tone to warn the community that a tornado had touched down nearby. Members of the WPVFD began to monitor the situation and determined that Wolf Point was not in the path of the reported funnel cloud.
The National Weather Service issues a tornado warning when a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. A warning means that it is time to take action because there is imminent danger to life and property.
Every Monday, at about noon, dispatch tests the emergency warning with its solid tone to ensure that it works for times, like Saturday night, when it is needed to warn the community of a dangerous tornado and to tell everyone to head to a safe place.
If inside, immediately go to your safest space, such as a windowless interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Cover yourself with a mattress, sleeping bag or another protective blanket. Wear a bike helmet for additional protection. If you are not at home or cannot get to your safe room or safe space, protect yourself from flying debris under heavy furniture, such as a sturdy table, and stay clear of windows and doors, including garage doors. Do not open or crack the windows in your home.
If you can safely get to a sturdy building, then do so immediately. Do not try to outrun a tornado with a vehicle. Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location.
If you are in a car or outdoors and cannot get to a building, cover your head and neck with your arms, cover your body with a coat or blanket or abandon your car and seek shelter in a low-lying area such as a ditch or ravine.
In the case of a tornado watch, which means the weather conditions for tornadoes are favorable during the next few hours, you should:
•Locate your family members and pets.
•Review your family disaster plan, including where you will take shelter.
•Monitor a NOAA Weather Radio, smartphone apps and local news for updates.
•Stay aware of changing weather conditions. Remember, even if a tornado does not form, severe thunderstorms can pose a safety risk too.
•Make sure your emergency supplies such as flashlights, water and batteries are accessible.
•Stay away from windows and keep them closed.
While northeast Montana does not have as many tornadoes as other areas of the United States, it’s important to know what to do when you hear the solid tone of a tornado warning siren.
