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1. What is the difference between a watch and a warning?

A watch means that all of the ingredients for a severe weather event are present in the area. 

Actions to take once the watch has been issued: 

• stay alert and pay attention to the news
• ensure your NOAA weather radio is working and has plenty of battery life
• remain alert and be ready to move to a shelter 

A warning means that all of the ingredients for a severe weather event are present and now there is activity occurring in the area. 

Actions to take once the warning has been issued: 

• activate your emergency plan
• take shelter immediately
• tune in to local news or radio stations for additional information

2. Does the City of Irving have public shelters?

In this area, storms can develop very rapidly. It is not safe for individuals to be out in the storm once a warning has been issued. It is important that once the warning has been issued, individuals immediately seek shelter inside a sturdy structure. It is important that people take shelter inside the most interior location within the structure, preferably with no windows.

For additional information about storm safety, watch the video: KnoWhat2Do.com/severe-weather/storms/  

3. When are the outdoor warning sirens used?

Irving has 26 outdoor warning sirens strategically located throughout the City. In accordance with the regional guidelines, the Outdoor Warning Sirens could sound during the following situations: 

• a tornado warning is issued by the National Weather Service. A warning when it meets the following criteria:
  • sustained winds in excess of 70 mph or greater 
  • reports of hail larger than 1.5 inches in diameter reported by a reliable source
• a tornado or funnel cloud reported by a reliable source, such as public safety officials or trained weather spotters
• other emergencies as directed by the community's designated public safety officials

4. What should I do when I hear the sirens?

The Outdoor Warning Sirens are meant to warn people who are outside when a severe weather emergency is occurring. If you hear the sirens while outside, immediately seek shelter indoors and tune in to a local news, weather, or radio broadcast for more information. Once inside, go to an interior room with no windows on the lowest floor of the building. If you have a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) radio, keep it with you so that you can listen for the weather watches and warnings for your area. 

It is important to pre-plan and decide on your meeting locations with your family or business when creating your emergency plan. For additional information, including tips on building a plan, visit KnoWhat2Do.com. 

5. Why can't I hear a siren inside my home?

The Outdoor Warning Sires are for warning people outside only. They are meant to signal for people to go inside and get additional information. While some individuals with homes close to a siren may be able to hear them indoors, that is not the purpose of the warning device. Current construction requirements for buildings and homes make hearing the sirens indoors difficult. If there is inclement weather in your area, tune in to local news, weather, or radio channels.