The City of Allen sent out the fact sheet (below) about their Outdoor Warning Sirens the day after the storm/tornado. I'm sure it was available prior to then, but nobody cared about it BEFORE the storm hit. Be sure to review it and, as it suggests, get a weather radio with battery backup. Because you should change batteries every six months, the fire department suggests your replace the batteries in your smoke detectors every time change (when you "spring forward" and again when you "fall back"). I would reccomend including your flashlight and weather radio in this practice.
---The City of Allen Outdoor Warning System consists of 13 sirens placed strategically throughout the City. The sirens may be activated individually or in groups to provide localized warnings. They may also be activated simultaneously to provide a general alert for the entire community.   WHEN WARNING SIRENS SOUND (FOR AN EMERGENCY): The system is capable of complete diagnostic testing without disturbing the public. The system computer checks the siren speakers, amplifiers and other components constantly and reports any malfunctions to the system manager.

OUTDOOR WARNING SIRENS

The Outdoor Warning System makes use of several different and unique tones to alert residents, who may be outside, to the imminent approach of severe weather and other emergencies that require immediate notification. This system is a part of an emergency network designed to provide for the safety of our citizens. The system is designed for outdoor warning and may not be heard inside a residence, depending on proximity to a siren location. Residents are reminded to use a weather radio with battery backup during times of severe weather.

You may view the [City of Allen] siren site locations by linking to http://charlotte.utdallas.edu/allen/downloadmaps/OutdoorWarningSirens.pdf

• GO TO YOUR SHELTER & TUNE to Local Radio, Television, or N.O.A.A. Weather Radio (162.400 MHz) for more information. Have a first aid kit, flashlight and battery-powered receiver ready.
• A TORNADO is developing or has been spotted either visually or on radar
• SUSTAINED WINDS OF 70 MPH or higher are occurring
• A HAZARDOUS MATERIALS incident or other emergency is occurring
• A NATIONAL EMERGENCY (Enemy Attack) has been declared

DO NOT:

• CALL 911 - except to report an emergency
• IGNORE THE WARNING

SIREN TESTING:

EMERGENCY PLANNING: Visit the Allen Fire Department web site at http://www.cityofallen.org/fire/pubed.htm for links to Homeland Security, Severe Weather and other emergency planning information.

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What are your thoughts on warning sirens? Did you hear them on the morning of the 10th? Did you have a weather radio (and how did it work)? How long was your power out? I think we all take for granted power, television, computers and the internet. I know I felt rather helpless with no weather radio. Since power was out, I had no TV, no computer/internet, and was trying to browse the web on my cell phone for weather info. Does this sound like you? Share your story with a post...