As a reminder, the outdoor sirens are activated when the National Weather Service issues a tornado warning for Clay County and/or when a trained spotter identifies an approaching tornado or one in our area. These sirens are an outdoor warning system designed only to alert those who are outdoors that a tornado is approaching. For alerts while indoors, every home and business should have a NOAA All-Hazards Weather Radio. Local media outlets and smart phone apps can also be valuable resources for severe weather alerts.

Tornado Alerts & Safety Info from Missouri Storm Aware

If you see a funnel cloud nearby, take shelter immediately. However, if you spot a tornado that is far away, help alert others to the hazard by reporting it to the newsroom of a local radio or TV station before taking shelter as described later. Use common sense and exercise caution: if you believe that you might be in danger, seek shelter immediately.

The key to surviving a tornado and reducing the risk of injury lies in planning, preparing, and
practicing what you and your family will do if a tornado strikes. Flying debris causes most deaths and injuries during a tornado. Although there is no completely safe place during a tornado, some locations are much safer than others.

If there is no basement, go to the center of an interior room on the lowest level (such as a closet or interior hallway) away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Get under a sturdy table and use your arms to protect your head and neck. Do not open windows.

Shelter for People with Access and Functional Needs
-- If you are in a wheelchair, get away from windows and go to an interior room of the house. If possible, seek shelter under a sturdy table or desk. Do cover your head with anything available, even your hands.
-- If you are unable to move from a bed or a chair and assistance is not available, protect yourself from falling objects by covering up with blankets and pillows.
-- If you are outside and a tornado is approaching, get into a ditch or gully. If possible, lie flat and cover your head with your arms.

For more tornado and severe weather safety information, visit stormaware.mo.gov.