Siren tests begin Saturday

Oakland County’s outdoor warning sirens will sound at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 2.

This steady three-minute tone is a test, but it will be used for real emergencies, such as a tornado sighting or severe thunderstorms with 70 mph winds or greater.

During severe weather, this tone means residents must seek shelter immediately. People can track storm news online on radio or television.

The county uses 275 outdoor warning sirens, each capable of covering about a one-mile radius from its location, for people who are outside. People in buildings can use a weather-alert radio, follow the National Weather Service’s local page, www.weather.gov/dtx or download the FEMA app for weather alerts and disaster-recovery resources.

People can also sign up for alerts from the county’s emergency management office: oakgov.com/ OakAlert. People who register get free emails about such county emergencies as severe weather, downed wires, chemical spills, significant road closures, missing persons, interruption of county services, health and safety messages and active assailant situations.

The purpose of the tests are to encourage residents and business owners to use the siren test as a reminder to practice preparedness plans or talk about how they can be ready for severe weather.

The county’s emergency management office has a list of ideas and resources for making plans at home, school or a business. Being prepared for a severe weather emergency is a way to plan for other disasters, including downed power lines, floods, and fires.

County Executive Dave Coulter said it’s vital to have a plan in advance, including the best ways to communicate with friends and family.

Learn more at oakgov. com/emergency-management.