Spring is here – and that means severe weather season! Here are a few reminders for when severe weather is heading our way:
Tornado Watch vs. Tornado Warning
Know the difference between a tornado watch and tornado warning. A tornado WATCH is when conditions are favorable for severe weather. In this case, know where to take shelter and keep an eye on the forecast. In a tornado WARNING, severe thunderstorms are occurring or imminent and you should take shelter immediately.
Outdoor Warning Sirens
There are 10 outdoor warning sirens strategically located throughout Bedford. Outdoor warning sirens are intended to alert people who are outside that pending and/or immediate danger is approaching and are activated in the following instances:
- Reported hail of 1.50” in diameter or greater (or smaller for areas or events where large numbers of people are outdoors)
- Rotation in a dangerous cloud or a tornado
- Straight-line winds over 70 mph
Emergency Supplies
Before severe weather arrives, take some time to recognize shelter areas around your home and prepare an emergency kit of supplies, including items like a flashlight, radio, portable cell phone charger, etc.
Emergency Alerts
Make sure you’ve signed up to receive emergency and community alerts from the City. Please note, the City recently switched to a new, enhanced notification system. Anyone who previously signed-up for alerts through the former notification system used by the City, known as Blackboard Connect, will need to re-register as the data was not transferred to ensure proper functionality of the new system. Once you sign up, you’ll be able to customize how you want alerts sent to you, via a phone call, text message, email, or TTY/TDD for the hearing-impaired.