Monthly Tornado Siren Test Cancelled Due To July 4th Holiday
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 2, 2009
CONTACT: AMANDA SLUSS
615.880.2962 (OFFICE)
615.533.0978 (CELL)
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Mayor’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) will suspend its monthly audible test of the city’s 71-siren tornado warning system this weekend due to the July 4th holiday. The test will be cancelled in order to prevent confusion for those whom may be spending time outdoors, particularly in parks and other large gathering areas, during midday on Saturday and also in the event a thunderstorm should develop.
This summer holiday typically produces large outdoor gatherings of people who are most vulnerable during severe weather. For example, the Independence Day Celebration in Nashville will attract tens of thousands of people to Riverfront Park for a free concert and fireworks. Metro Emergency Management officials want to remind citizens who may be outdoors that if the sirens are activated for three minute intervals at any time, it means a tornado warning has been issued for Davidson County and they should seek shelter immediately.
Normally, the sirens are tested at noon on the first Saturday of each month for 30 seconds, and silently tested twice daily. The monthly audible test will resume in August.