Weather Alerts
Up-to-date Weather Information
Severe Weather Siren Information
New System Information
In July of 2002 a fund raising effort began to upgrade the Towns Severe Weather Siren system. The 17 year old siren was beginning to lose it's effectiveness. 4 new sirens strategically placed to provide outdoor weather warning for our residents replaced the old siren. The sirens are located on the east side of town at the Aquatics Center, on the south side in the Industrial park, on the school hill, on the corner of Keeley St. and E. Campbell St, and on the west side at Fulford Park. The $40,000 system was purchased through donations, locally supported golf tournaments and a grant.
The new system is radio controlled by the police dispatch and has the ability to add personal warning devices in the home and business.
Severe Weather Siren Activation Guidelines
Severe Weather Sirens shall be activated under any one of the following criteria:
- A Tornado Warning is issued for Southern Johnson, Northern Bartholomew or Southwestern Shelby Counties by the National Weather Service.
- When a Public Safety Officer reports sighting a Funnel Cloud or a Tornado in the Edinburgh area.
- When Southern Johnson County, Northern Bartholomew County, or Southwestern Shelby County is under a Tornado Watch and a Severe Thunderstorm Warning is issued at the same time.
- When directed to activate the Severe Weather Sirens by the Edinburgh Fire Chief, the Edinburgh Town Marshal, the Town Council President, or their designees.
In time of threatening severe weather, the Severe Weather Sirens will continually sound.Once severe weather or Tornado conditions pass through our area, we DO NOT sound an all-clear signal. This has proven to be very confusing to residents. Local weather broadcasts are your best source of information pertaining to severe weather as it approaches and when it passes through our area.
Places of shelter from severe weather will vary greatly depending on facility designs and the availability of designated underground areas of shelter.
The best shelter available is underground.This can be a basement, cellar, storage area or a specifically built severe weather enclosure. Once in an underground area, stay away from any windows and away from objects that could become flying projectiles in the event of a Tornado.
In the absence of any underground protection, move to the smallest interior room on the ground floor. Stay away from any windows and items that could become flying projectiles. Try to cover yourself with a mattress or other solid protective surface.
If you live in a mobile home, your park manager may have a pre-designated shelter area for you.
In an office environment check with your employer's emergency action plans. This can involve going to the ground floor or to an interior closet or room. If this is not an option, your best choice would be to position yourself under a desk on the ground floor to protect you form falling and flying objects.
If you are out driving, walking, etc. during a Tornado, stop your car and go to the lowest lying land available. Stay aware of moving water and the potential for flash flooding during severe storms.
Severe Weather Siren Test
The Severe Weather Sirens are tested every Friday at 11 am. This weekly test will consist of a brief 20-second blast from the sirens. Use this opportunity to familiarize yourself and you family with the sound of the sirens. If severe weather is a threat for that time, the test will be postponed.
Severe Weather Alert Levels
Our Department uses a series of Alert Levels to notify its personnel of pending weather situations. The 5 Level Alert System is described below:
Level 5 Alert:Severe Thunderstorm Watch
This level of alert is issued when a Severe Thunderstorm Watch is issued for the Edinburgh area. This Alert will be in effect for 5 hours unless extended or canceled depending on weather conditions.Level 4 Alert:Tornado Watch
This level of alert is issued when a Tornado Watch is issued for the Edinburgh area.This alert will be in effect for 5 hours unless extended or canceled depending on weather conditions.Level 3 Alert:Severe Thunderstorm Warning or Tornado Warning
This level of alert is issued when a Severe Thunderstorm Warning or Tornado Warning is issued for any part of Johnson, Shelby or Bartholomew Counties and severe weather is possible for Edinburgh. This alert will be in effect until a specific time mentioned, or a higher alert level is issued.Level 2 Alert:Severe Thunderstorm Warning For Edinburgh
This level of alert is issued when a Severe Thunderstorm Warning is issued for Edinburgh. With this alert, Edinburgh Fire & Rescue personnel report to Fire Station 1 for weather standby. This alert will be in effect until a specific time mentioned, or a higher alert level is issued.Level 1 Alert:Tornado Warning For Edinburgh
This level of alert is issued when a Tornado Warning is issued for Edinburgh. With this alert, Edinburgh Fire & Rescue personnel report to Fire Station 1 for weather standby. This alert will be in effect until a specific time mentioned.