In Grundy County, they are called “Outdoor Warning Sirens” and are used as one tool in a tool box of notification for all-hazards. NOAA’s National Weather Service weather radio system provides one of the best choices for receiving warnings for all types of hazards. Special Weather Radio receivers are automatically activated when a severe weather warning or other emergency notice is issued. This allows you to receive a voice message with specific information about the location and type of emergency. Weather Apps on smart phones are also a good tool.

The sirens are not owned by the village or the county.
The 33 “Outdoor Warning Sirens” located in Grundy County are owned and maintained by Exelon Nuclear as part of its emergency preparedness obligations related to the Dresden, Braidwood and LaSalle nuclear generating stations. While Exelon is not required to do so, they have allowed for the use of their system by area counties for other emergency situations, such as weather. This is a tremendous cost savings for counties. In Will County, WESCOM dispatch is able to set off the alarms within the fire districts it serves.

You will not always hear the siren.
There are a number of reasons for this. Grundy County will sound sirens for nuclear plant events, severe weather (when warning is available), and other emergency situations as possible. There is no guarantee that sirens will be sounded in your area for severe weather. Sometimes there is little or no warning of the severity of a storm, which means there is little or no time for sounding the sirens. Outdoor warning systems are designed and intended for “outdoor” warning. While many people can hear sirens indoors, the ability to do so varies greatly based on the type of construction, whether or not doors and windows are open, etc. Outdoor audible levels also vary based upon a number of factors, such as distance from the siren, wind speed and direction, ambient noise and other factors.
Exelon’s system is designed to meet strict coverage requirements mandated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). Exelon provides engineering documentation periodically to FEMA and the NRC to assure the system is providing the required outdoor audio throughout its coverage area.

Flooding requires an evacuation plan. If you are in an area that is prone to floods, knowing when to leave is important.

• Know your area’s type of flood risk. Visit FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center at https://msc.fema.gov/ portal for information.
• Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.
• If flash flooding is a risk in your location, monitor potential signs such as heavy rain.
• Learn and practice evacuation routes, shelter plans, and flash flood response.
• Gather supplies in case you have to leave immediately or if services are cut off. Keep in mind each person’s specific needs, including medication. Do not forget the needs of pets. Obtain extra batteries and charging devices for phones and other critical equipment.
• Obtain flood insurance. Homeowner’s policies do not cover flooding. Get flood coverage under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
• Keep important documents in a waterproof container. Create password-protected digital copies.
• Protect your property. Move valued items to higher levels. Declutter drains and gutters. Install check valves. Consider a sump pump with a battery.
• Inform local authorities about any special needs, i.e., older adults or bedridden people, or anyone with a disability.