The
City of Gainesville utilizes a comprehensive severe weather early warning system.
This system consists of local Storm Spotters, television alert and severe weather
sirens. In the event of a WARNING, the local cable alert and weather sirens
will be activated. You will be provided with instructions on what action to
take.
It
is important to know that the outdoor warning sirens located within the City
of Gainesville are intended for outdoor use only to protect persons who cannot
access a radio or television. They are not intended to alert you to severe weather
while inside your home. The best investment you can make for yourself and family
is to purchase a special NOAA weather radio with a tone alert feature. These
NOAA weather radios are inexpensive and can be purchased at local radio or electronic
stores. As a service to the public, the National Weather Service broadcasts
uninterrupted weather information to the public 24 hours a day. Severe weather
watches and warnings within the listening area are tone alerted. This alarm
tone will activate the NOAA weather radios that have a tone-alert feature.
The
Division of Emergency Management has strategically placed the City of Gainesville
warning sirens in the following locations:
1525
W. California Street
400 S. Weaver Street
Stoneridge Drive
Oneal Street
1700 N. Weaver Street
Lanius Street
N. Clements Street
4321 N. Interstate 35
Sunset Village Mobile Home Park
Airport property
The
City of Gainesville conducts a test of the emergency alert system on the first
Monday of each month at 1:30 p.m. (weather permitting). The alternate test
date for the sirens is the following Monday at 1:30 p.m. The sirens may be
heard in your area and the local cable access will be interrupted with a test
message, which is broadcast in English and in Spanish. We apologize for any
inconvenience to you, but it is necessary to test the warning system to prepare
for any potential emergencies in our area.
Remember,
severe weather preparedness is up to you. Have a plan ready for any severe
weather situation and practice it often. For additional information please
contact the Gainesville Fire Department: 668-7777 or gfd@gvps.org.
