Spring in Oklahoma is marked by severe weather including thunderstorms and tornados. As such, residents need to be made aware when inclement weather is approaching, and take the necessary steps to ensure that they remain safe.

While tornado sirens are good for alerting those outdoors, they are difficult to hear indoors, as most were designed1 to be used only as outdoor warnings. When the sirens sound, they are meant to alert those outside to go indoors and get more information by tuning into local media such as TV, radio or other means of gathering emergency data.

To this end, Ponca City has announced a new weather alert system for residents. If you have a cell phone, landline phone or email address you will now be able to enroll for a new alerting system developed by Inspiron Logistics.

WENS Alert System can provide emergency weather alerts to all Ponca City citizens that register for the service and at no cost.

This weather alert system is available to residents through simple online registration, and alerts are made available as text messages, phone calls or email. Residents can choose their preferred form of notification that works best for them or select all methods. Once registration is complete, the user is immediately able to receive alerts.

Severe weather alerts will come directly from NOAA and the National Weather Service. In addition to weather alerts, there are plans to provide notifications for power and water outages, road closures, and other City messages.

Users will also have the freedom to choose what types of alerts they receive and adjust them to meet their needs. Additionally, the WENS Alert System can accommodate those suffering with hearing loss by letting them opt to receive their alerts in text form, while those with vision challenges can select voice only messages.

For more information and a list of Frequently Asked Questions, check out the webpage at www.poncacityok. gov/pcnotificationregistration, or email em@poncacityok.gov.

As always2, in the event of a tornado, go to the basement or an inside room without windows on the lowest floor such as a bathroom, closet or center hallway. For added protection, it is advised to get under something heavy such as a table or workbench, and to cover your body with a blanket, sleeping bag or mattress. Other helpful tips include create a tornado emergency plan by identifying safe spots in your home, and having a weather radio on hand.

Sources:

1. https://www.weather.gov/ dvn/sirenFAQ 2. https://www.cdc.gov/ disasters/tornadoes/ prepared.html