Outdoor Warning Sirens:

The National Weather Service tests all outdoor warning sirens on the first Tuesday of each month from March through October at 10:00 a.m. for a duration of about 1 minute.

Activation:

If the Village of Hoffman Estates is threatened by a tornado, the sirens will be activated for a duration of about 3 minutes. The location, design and performance of the siren system is intended to provide a warning to people outdoors, to take cover. The sirens are not designed to provide warning to building occupants. Because of the unpredictability and sudden appearance of tornadoes, it may not be possible to provide advance warning; however, if you hear the warning siren, immediately seek shelter and tune in to a local radio or television station.

Any "ALL CLEAR" information is provided by the local news media. The sirens will NOT be activated to indicate an "ALL CLEAR".

What Do the Sirens Mean?

Our outdoor warning sirens can be used to alert for all hazards but most people know them for tornado warnings. Sirens have two settings and it is important to learn the distinction between the two tones.

• Alert: A single tone signifying an emergency alert. This signal may be used for an emergency or disaster, including a severe storm, tornado warning (not a tornado watch), earthquake, chemical hazard/hazardous material incident, extreme winds, or biological hazard. Siren Alert Tone

• Attack: An up-and-down, rising and falling tone to signify there is a homeland security or attack emergency. This signal would be used if community officials were notified by federal and/or state government officials of an actual or impending attack on the local community. Siren Attack Tone

Additional Alert Systems

The National Weather Service can alert the public of severe weather more efficiently than ever by using traditional media, social media, and weather radios!

https://twitter.com/NWSChicago

https://www.facebook.com/NWSChicago

Know Where to Go!