The Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) of 1986 was created to help communities plan for emergencies involving hazardous substances. EPCRA requires hazardous chemical emergency planning by federal, state and local governments, Indian tribes, and industry. It also requires industry to report on the storage, use and releases of hazardous chemicals to federal, state, and local governments.
The Warning Sirens are tested on the 1st Wednesday of each month at 9:15 am (beginning January 2022).
When you hear a Warning Siren and it is not a test, you should tune to your local radio or television station for information.
LOCAL RADIO STATIONS
WZYP at 104.3 FM
WVNN at 770 AM
WKAC at 1080 AM
LOCAL TV STATIONS
WAAY ABC Network
WAFF NBC Network
WHNT CBS Network
WZDX Fox Network
WTZT ZTV
The Warning Sirens will be activated under the following conditions:
A Tornado Warning has been issued for Limestone County.
A Tornado Warning has been issued for an adjoining county and the tornado is expected to move into Limestone County.
An emergency exists at the Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant and the public should be alerted to take specific actions.
A national emergency exists and the public should be alerted to take specific actions.
The Warning Sirens are for outdoor notification only. Sirens may not be heard when indoors. Residents need to obtain a Weather Alert Radio in order to receive notification when indoors.
Sign up to receive emergency alerts on your phone through Smart911.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) provides continuous broadcasts of the latest weather information on the NOAA Weather Radio. When severe weather occurs, routine broadcasting is interrupted to provide the listener with frequent updates on severe weather warnings.
When a severe weather warning is issued, you will be alerted with warning and safety information. New technology used by the National Weather Service enables warnings to be broadcast over the weather radio just a few seconds after they are issued. This adds valuable lead-time to potentially life-saving warnings.
NOAA Weather Radio also serves as a notification tool for non-weather related emergencies. Your local Emergency Management Agency may request activation of the Emergency Alert System for a variety of emergencies, such as: an accident at the Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant or a Local Emergency.
Information Needed to Program Your Radio
FIPS/SAME Code: 001083
Huntsville Transmitter: 162.400
Weekly Test
Tests are conducted each Wednesday between 11 am and 12 pm (except in cases of inclement weather). If you do not receive the test, you should check your radio to see if it is programmed properly.
Additional information on NOAA Weather Radios can be found at: NWS Huntsville
To prepare for winter weather, you need to be sure that your vehicle is prepared for the cold weather.
Winterize Your Car
Check or have a mechanic check out your vehicle
Antifreeze levels – ensure they are sufficient to avoid freezing.
Battery and ignition system – should be in top condition and battery terminals should be clean.
Brakes – check for wear and fluid levels.
Exhaust system – check for leaks and crimped pipes and repair or replace as necessary. Carbon monoxide is deadly and usually gives no warning.
Fuel and air filters – replace and keep water out of the system by using additives and maintaining a full tank of gas.
Heater and defroster – ensure they work properly.
Lights and flashing hazard lights – check for serviceability.
Oil – check for level and weight. Heavier oils congeal more at low temperatures and do not lubricate as well.
Thermostat – ensure it works properly.
Windshield wiper equipment – repair any problems and maintain proper washer fluid level.
Install good winter tires. Make sure the tires have adequate tread. All-weather radials are usually adequate for most winter conditions, however, some jurisdictions require that to drive on their roads, vehicles must be equipped with chains or snow tires with studs.
Maintain at least a half tank of gas during the winter season.
Check your VEHICLE EMERGENCY KIT to be sure it is well-stocked. See Vehicle Emergency Kit
To prepare for winter weather, you need to be sure your home is ready to face the cold temperatures and winter precipitation such as snow and ice.
Winterize Your Home
Be sure you have sufficient insulation in walls and attics
Check weather-stripping on doors and windows.
If you don’t have storm windows or double-pane windows, consider covering your windows with plastic.
Wrap exposed pipes with insulation or newspapers and plastic
Allow indoor faucets to drip when temperatures drop below freezing.
Learn how to shut off water valves (in case a pipe bursts).
Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure everyone in your house knows how to use them. House fires pose an additional risk, as more people turn to alternate heating sources without taking the necessary safety precautions.
Be sure you have sufficient heating fuel. You may become isolated in your home and regular fuel sources may be cut off. Store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove.
Disconnect hoses from outside faucets. Place an insulated cover over outdoor faucets.
Be sure that crawlspace vents are closed.
Clear rain gutters; repair roof leaks and cut away tree branches that could fall on a house or other structure during a storm.
Winterize your barn, shed or any other structure that may provide shelter for your pets, livestock or equipment.
Be sure you have rock salt on hand to melt ice on walkways
Check your DISASTER SUPPLY KIT to be sure it is well-stocked: See Disaster Supply Kit
In the event of a disaster, you may be instructed to shut off the utility service at your home.
Below is some general guidance for shutting off utility service. You should modify the information provided to reflect your shut off requirements as directed by your utility company.
Natural Gas
Natural gas leaks and explosions are responsible for a significant number of fires following disasters. It is vital that all household members know how to shut off natural gas. Because there are different gas shut-off procedures for different gas meter configurations, it is important to contact your local gas company for guidance on preparation and response regarding gas appliances and gas service to your home. When you learn the proper shut-off procedure for your meter, share the information with everyone in your household. Be sure not to actually turn off the gas when practicing the proper gas shut-off procedure. If you smell gas or hear a blowing or hissing noise, open a window and get everyone out quickly. Turn off the gas, using the outside main valve if you can, and call the gas company from a neighbor’s home.
CAUTION – If you turn off the gas for any reason, a qualified professional must turn it back on. NEVER attempt to turn the gas back on yourself.
Electricity
Electrical sparks have the potential of igniting natural gas if it is leaking. It is wise to teach all responsible household members where and how to shut off the electricity.
To Shut off Electricity
Locate your circuit box.
ALWAYS shut off all individual circuits before shutting off the main circuit breaker.
Water
Water quickly becomes a precious resource following many disasters. It is vital that all household members learn how to shut off the water at the main house valve.
To Shut off Water
Locate the shut-off valve for the water line that enters your house.
Make sure this valve can be completely shut off. Your valve may be rusted open, or it may only partially close. Replace it if necessary.
Label this valve with a tag for easy identification, and make sure all household members know where it is located.
In the event of an emergency, you may be instructed to Shelter-In-Place. This is a protective action order that may be issued in order to keep you safe from a potentially hazardous environment outdoors. If you are told to Shelter-In-Place, follow the instructions below and listen to a local radio or television station for additional information.
If You Are At Home
DO NOT GO OUTDOORS.
Close and lock all windows and exterior doors.
If there is a danger of explosion, close the window shades, blinds or curtains.
Turn off all heating and air conditioning systems.
In a disaster, people with special medical needs have extra concerns. This information will help you and your family prepare for a disaster.
Medication
Always have at least a three-day supply of all your medications. In some emergencies, such as an influenza pandemic, you may need to prepare for a week or more.
Store your medications in one location in their original containers.
Keep an updated list of all of your medications: name of medication, dose, frequency, and the name of the prescribing doctor.
Medical Supplies
Have an extra three-day supply of any medical supplies you use, such as bandages, ostomy bags or syringes.
Electrically Powered Medical Equipment
For all medical equipment requiring electrical power — beds, breathing equipment or infusion pumps — check with your medical supply company and get information regarding a back-up power source such as a battery or generator.
Oxygen and Breathing Equipment
If you use oxygen, have an emergency supply (enough for at least a three-day period).
Oxygen tanks should be securely braced so they do not fall over. Call your medical supply company regarding bracing instructions.
If you use breathing equipment, have a three-day supply or more of tubing, solutions and medications.
Intravenous (IV) and Feeding Tube Equipment
Know if your infusion pump has battery back-up, and how long it would last in an emergency.
Ask your home care provider about manual infusion techniques in case of a power outage.
Have written operating instructions attached to all equipment.
Emergency Medical Kit
In the event that you have to leave your home, keep a bag packed at all times that contains:
A medication list
Medical supplies for at least three days
Copies of vital medical papers such as insurance cards and power of attorney
People Who Can Help
An important part of being prepared for a disaster is planning with family, friends and neighbors. Know who can walk to your home to assist you if no other means of transportation is available.
Discuss your disaster plans with your home health care provider.
Keep a list handy of people who can help and their phone numbers.
Do not eat any food that may have come into contact with contaminated water.
Do not mix powdered baby formula with water that may be contaminated.
Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. Refrigerators will keep foods cool for approximately 4 hours if unopened. A full freezer will hold its’ temperature for about 48 hours if unopened. Do not eat foods that have been in refrigerator or freezer longer than the times stated above.
Do not eat any food that has an unusual smell, color or texture. Never taste food to determine if it is safe. “When in doubt, throw it out.”
Cook or reheat food to an internal temperature of 165º. Cook meat to an internal temperature of 170º.
During an emergency, food and water can become contaminated. The following tips will help you reduce the risk of contamination.
Food Safety
Water Safety
Do not use bottled water unless you are sure that it came from a safe, commercial source.
Do not use contaminated water for any reason.
Boiling water is the preferred method to kill harmful bacteria and parasites. Most disease micro-organisms in water will be killed by vigorous boiling for one minute.
Water can be treated with unscented household chlorine bleach, however, this method is only effective for killing bacteria. To use chlorine bleach, follow these instructions:
If water is clear, add 1/8 teaspoon of bleach to 1 gallon of water
If the water is cloudy, add 1/4 teaspoon of bleach to 1 gallon of water
Mix the bleach and water thoroughly and let stand for about 30 minutes before use. If the water does not smell slightly of bleach, DO NOT use it.