Atlantic Police Chief Steve Green and Cass County Emergency Management Manager Mike Kennon have announced the tornado sirens will be tested weekly in Atlantic, beginning this Friday, March 18th. The sirens will be tested at Noon each Friday to ensure they are in working order in preparation for the severe weather season, and the statewide tornado drill set for next Wednesday, March 23rd.

A new siren was purchased for a location off west Highway 6 near SWIPCO, and a couple of other sirens have been replaced over the past few years. During the tests, City of Atlantic personnel will be placed near each of the sirens to ensure they are operating properly during the first few tests of the season. Spot checks will be conducted throughout the rest of the storm season as well, but officials say they are relying on citizens living near the sirens to report to the Police Department if they notice a siren functioning differently than normal, or not at all.

Chief Green and Mike Kennon remind citizens that the “Outdoor Warning System” is just that. It is meant to alert persons outside of impending danger. While many citizens can hear the sirens inside their homes, the sirens are designed to warn persons outdoors.

As part of Severe Weather Awareness Week, March 21st through the 25th, the Statewide Tornado Drill will be held March 23rd. The day begins at 10-a.m. with a mock Tornado Watch given over NOAA Weather Radio. At 10:15-a.m., a mock Tornado Warning will be issued. The All-Clear will be given at around 10:30-a.m. In the event actual severe weather threatens the listening area, the Tornado Drill will be rescheduled or cancelled.

Citizens, business owners and schools are urged to use the drill as an opportunity to determine and practice your plan of action in the event an actual tornado alert is issued.