Merrillville, IN – Residents of Merrillville and neighboring communities can expect the familiar sound of tornado sirens to signify more than just tornadoes. According to the Merrillville Fire Department, the 911 Center will start monthly tests of the Outdoor Warning Sirens on the first Saturday of each month, beginning March 2, 2024. These sirens will not only alert the public to tornadoes but also to other severe weather threats such as high winds and large hail.
The expanded use of sirens reflects a wider trend in several Indiana communities to adapt their emergency response systems to a variety of severe weather conditions, ensuring residents take immediate safety measures. When these sirens sound, it is an urgent call to seek shelter and stay informed through local Emergency Alert System stations.
This initiative underscores the importance of outdoor warning systems in the face of unpredictable weather patterns and aims to mitigate confusion by providing clear signals for multiple types of severe weather, not just tornadoes. As outdoor warning systems are designed primarily for those outdoors, it’s crucial for residents to have additional means to receive alerts when indoors.
