Policy (EOP)B-2 - Emergency Warning System (Sirens) Activation

I.  Purpose

The City of New Berlin's Primary public warning system is the Emergency Alerting System (Sirens) positioned in nine (9) strategic locations throughout the City.  The primary purpose for this system is to alert the public to severe weather either incoming and/or affecting the Municipality.  Information for the activation of the system can come from several sources, not limited to the National Weather Service, County, State or Federal Agencies and local Public Officials.

II.  Concept of Operations

The Emergency Alert system will be activated through the New Berlin Police Department dispatch center when the following conditions are present:

Tornado Warning - A tornado has been visually confirmed and/or a tornado warning has been issued indicating that the City of New Berlin is in the path of an approaching tornado or whenever any reported tornado sighting within the City is confirmed.

High Winds - When it has been confirmed that "Hurricane Force" winds will be impacting the City of New Berlin and/or the National Weather Service has issued a Severe Storm/High Wind Warning indicating hurricane force winds.  Hurricane Force winds are those winds monitored with gusts at 70+ mph.

EG Director/Fire and/or Police Chief Discretion - Any situation where the aforementioned individuals feel it necessary to activate the system to provide public warning to imminent danger.  Notification to activate can also be provided by the Shift Supervisor-in-Charge of the New Berlin Police Department and/or Acting Fire Chief.

Civil Defense - Any situation defined by the Federal Government as a threat to national security and the safety of the American public.  These include:  Imminent Attack, Uncontrollable Wild Fires, Public Address for Immediate Safety and/or shelter

III.  System Testing

Unless notified in writing by the Emergency Government Director, Police and/or Fire Chief, the New Berlin Emergency Alert System (Sirens) will be activated for system testing every Saturday (Year Round) for three (3) minutes at 1200 hours.  Results of the weekly test will be sent via Fax to the Emergency Operations Center for all sirens visually monitored.  Information to be faxed will include:  Siren Number, If the siren sounded and conditions, Rotation (Yes/No)