Tornado Awareness Tips Offered

The first test of the tornado awareness siren was conducted on Saturday, April 2, at noon.   According to Lt. David Constantineau, the sirens will sound every Saturday, from April to October. 

"A full, one minute test will be conducted on the first Saturday of the month, and 20-second operational tests will be conducted on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Saturdays," he explained.  

He added that while this system has been in operation for several years, many people still don’t quite understand how it works, or what differentiates a test from the real thing. 

Tornado warnings issued for the Muskego area are sent to the department via teletype, and the weather sirens are activated, for a full three minutes.   This is the signal to seek immediate shelter and tune in to local radio or television for further information. However, Constantineau recognized that this system is also not without its flaws.

"While we do everything we can to make sure the citizens of Muskego are informed about impending severe weather, we understand that (they) may not be able to hear the warning sirens in (their) homes and offices," Constantineau said.  

"For that reason, I would encourage everyone to purchase a NOAA (National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administrator) Weather radio.  These radios broadcast only weather-related information, and sound alarms if a local severe weather alert is issued."

Constantineau also asked for a measure of common sense in reacting to sirens.

"Don’t call the police department.  If it’s a clear sunny day, chances are good that it is just a test.  And if the sky is falling down around your head, we are probably already pretty busy ourselves, and your best course of action is to head for shelter," he said.