The latest local news, weather and high school sports from the Heartland

KIRKSVILLE, MISSOURI -- As severe storm season is once again upon us it is time to begin our monthly test of the outdoor warning sirens in Kirksville. The City of Kirksville, and the E-911 Joint Communications Center, will sound the outdoor warning sirens and activate the cable television warning override, weather permitting, on Thursday, March 11, at 1:30 p.m. If the test is postponed, due to weather, it will be delayed only until the next clear weather day. The sirens will be tested each month thereafter, through September (at 10:00 a.m. on the last Friday of each month; including again in April).

In addition, the Kirksville Police Department has issued some weather safety tips and reminders about being prepared for severe weather. According the Chief Jim Hughes, this is particularly important since we are entering severe storm season and Kirksville is located in tornado alley.

"The key to being safe," said Chief Hughes "is personal responsibility. It's very important for everyone to realize that Kirksville's emergency sirens have limitations." He noted for instance, that the sirens do not cover all areas inside the city limits, that citizens who are indoors with fans or air conditioners running are likely to not hear the sirens and that the sirens do occasionally malfunctions. In addition, he notes that severe storms can develop so quickly that there is not sufficient time for the National Weather Service to issue proper warnings. "It's simply not a good idea to rely only on the storm sirens to receive emergency warnings," he said.

Chief Hughes suggests that citizens rely on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), or local radio and television stations to receive their immediate emergency information. Adair County residents may want to consider purchasing a special NOAA Weather Radio to stay current on all area weather systems. The National weather Service broadcasts on two frequencies available in Adair County. Broadcasts may be monitored constantly or the receiver can be set in alert mode, to receive information only during severe weather. NOAA weather receivers generally start at around $40-$60 and may be purchased locally from many retail stores that sell electronic equipment.