Siren Testing
The Douglas County Emergency Management Office tests area tornado sirens monthly. Sirens are sounded at noon on the first Monday of the months August through February and at noon on the first and third Mondays of the months March through July. In the event of overcast conditions the sirens will be sounded on the next available clear Monday. In addition to the monthly testing the State of Kansas conducts a state-wide tornado test on the first or second Tuesday in March.

Thunderstorm or Tornado Watch
A thunderstorm or tornado watch is issued whenever weather conditions exist that could produce a severe storm in this area. A severe thunderstorm warning is issued when a storm is observed moving toward the area. In case of a severe thunderstorm watch or warning or a tornado watch:

1. Sirens will not sound.
2. Be alert to the possibility of high winds or hail. Should a storm develop, move away from windows exposed to the impact of high winds into a protected area of hallway until the danger is past.
3. If circumstances warrant, general information can be obtained from the following sources:

• While emergency conditions exist, 864-SNOW is used for emergency information year round.
• KU Info , 864-3506
• University radio stations KJHK FM 90.7 and KANU FM 91.5 will broadcast information specific to campus; local radio and TV stations provide on-going community emergency information.
• Under limited circumstances the University may use JayTalk and other electronic means to provide post-emergency information.

Tornado Warning
A tornado warning is issued when a tornado has been sighted and is moving toward the Lawrence area. In case of a tornado warning:

1. Sirens will sound a three-minute warning signal. In University buildings equipped with voice emergency warning systems, a weather emergency take cover message will be activated when the Lawrence sirens have been activated.
2. Move immediately to protected areas and remain there until the all clear is given by local radio stations (KANU/KLWN), National Weather Service Radio System (Topeka 162.475 or K.C. 162.550), police or other official sources of information. In University buildings equipped with voice emergency warning systems, an all-clear message will be activated when an official all-clear has been issued for Lawrence.
3. Sirens are not used for an all-clear signal, and will only be sounded when a tornado warning is issued.
4. Interior protected areas usually recommended by National Weather Service offices include basements (especially those under reinforced concrete structures) or, if a basement is not available, the lowest level of a building, in an interior hallway or a room without windows or other exposed glass.
5. If you are out-of-doors when a tornado warning is sounded, take cover in a protected area if possible. If a protected area is not accessible, lie in a ditch or depression away from trees and power lines and cover your head with your hands.
6. If you are driving a vehicle, proceed to the nearest sheltered area and wait in your car for the storm to pass. If a tornado is sighted or if a tornado warning has been sounded, leave the vehicle and lie down in a ditch or depression between the approaching tornado and your vehicle. If the funnel is more than a half a mile away, you may drive at a right angle away from the funnel.