Wilson County has installed several outdoor warning siren systems to provide additional warning of impending danger. As their name implies, these sirens are intended to be heard outside. The system is not designed or engineered to be heard inside every building in the coverage area.

If you are outside when the sirens sound, seek shelter immediately. DO NOT CALL 9-1-1 OR ANY OTHER EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBER UNLESS YOU HAVE EMERGENCY INFORMATION TO REPORT (for example, the sighting of a funnel cloud or other emergency). If there is not time to move to shelter, try to get into a low lying area, such as a ditch. Lay face down and cover your head with your hands. Be alert to rising water in ditches and low lying areas as the storm passes over. DO NOT stand under trees if at all possible. If a grove of trees is your only shelter, try to position yourself under the shorter trees. This will provide you with the least likelihood of being struck by lightning. However, a grove of trees should be your LAST choice for shelter.

You can often be better prepared for severe weather by simply listening to the forecast before you leave home. We recommend each home be equipped with a NOAA Weather Radio. When they're not dispensing watch and warning information, these valuable tools will provide you with detailed forecast information. Know before you go!