Outdoor Siren System
Tornado Warning | Building Evacuation | Severe Weather and
Other Emergencies | Testing the Siren System | Information Links | Brochure (PDF)
Tornado Warning
(3-Minute Steady Sound)
When you hear a steady 3-minute sound from the sirens, a tornado is imminent. A tornado has been sighted on radar by the
National Weather Service or by a weather spotter. Immediate action is required.
If indoors, seek shelter in the lowest level of the building. Interior hallways are preferable. Stay away from windows.
If outdoors, take cover in the nearest ditch or low area away from power lines and trees. Do no stay in a car or
attempt to outrun a tornado.
Building Evacuation
(3-Minute Repeated Broken Tones)
If the evacuation of a building becomes necessary, the siren will sound with repeated broken tones that continue for
3 minutes. This means you should evacuate as quickly as possible. In these instances, the sound of the siren
may be followed by public address messages.
Things to remember about building evacuations
- Be familiar with marked exits from buildings you frequent.
- Learn where the building assembly areas are. They are marked on building evacuation routes.
- Remain calm as you walk to the building assembly areas. Tell others to do the same.
- Help those in need of assistance.
- Once outside, move away from the building to the assembly area.
- Do not use elevators in case of fire.
- Do not return to an evacuated building unless directed to do so.
- Do not leave the scene unless you have told someone you are leaving. Missing persons can become a serious concern
For additional information regarding building evacuation, contact your building coordinator.
Severe Weather and Other Emergencies
If you hear a series of short pulse tones, you should listen for either a recorded voice message or a live message to
follow
In the event of severe thunderstorm warnings for Cape Girardeau County or dangerous lightning, the sirens will sound with
short pulse tones followed by a recorded message. If possible, tune to the local weather broadcasts when you hear
the voice messages.
You also may hear these short pulse tones for other types of emergencies. When warranted, the sirens will sound and
will be followed by a public address message. Because these messages are "live," they may be difficult to hear
and understand. Listen carefully as the message will be repeated.
Testing the Siren System
The outdoor emergency siren system at Southeast is designed to provide an alert to severe weather and other impending
danger. The National Weather Service and/or storm spotters and local emergency management agencies initiate all
siren alerts.
The sirens are tested on the first Wednesday of the month at noon. During testing, you will hear the short pulse tones
and a voice message announcing the test. The 3-minute tornado siren will then sound.
Information Links
For more information:
Southeast Missouri State University
Department of Public Safety
(573)651-2215
Outdoor Siren Brochure PDF
State Emergency Management Agency
FCC Emergency Alert System
National Weather Service
Federal Emergency Management Agency
American Red Cross
