Here is some information about storm sirens that were most recently used this past week for extreme weather that involved tornado warnings.

Perry County  (Perry County OEM Description)

Perry County only has 2 Sirens in the county. They they are both in the City of Perryville. It depends on the situation on how and when they are activated. If the weather service has a warning for the entire county or for the Perryville area they are activated. If a citizen calls in it is confirmed by a weather spotter before activated.

Saline County (Saline County OEM Description)

When the Saline County 24-hour warning point receives notification through the NAWAS; TAR; ACIC; radio or TV of a TORNADO WARNING anywhere in Saline County, the sirens should be activated immediately! There should be NO DELAY. Remember, this is an early warning system designed to give the citizen as much warning as possible so that they may take cover. If a tornado is in an adjoining county and headed toward Saline County, the dispatcher assigned to monitor the weather should consult with the shift supervisor regarding whether or not to activate the sirens. For example, if a tornado is in Garland, Hot Springs, or Grant County and headed toward Saline County – activate the sirens! Activation of the sirens based on phone calls of sightings is at the discretion of the shift supervisor. If the sighting is by someone in a position of authority such as, SCSO patrol personnel, SCSO commanders (Majors, Captains, Sheriff), the Saline County Judge, County Emergency Management Director or Deputy Director, then activate the sirens.

Pulaski County (Pulaski County OEM

29 sirens are located in Pulaski County. Units within incorporated (city areas) are operated by those municipalities. Outside of those city limits, Pulaski County OEM operates the sirens that are located around the remainder of the county in central areas that are most populated.  Often, sirens are located at schools locations or some major intersections (when schools aren’t nearby).

2012 Severe Weather Report

Tornado document 2012

KTHV Siren Report 2012

http://www.local341.org/index.php/news/item/179-hfd-lodds-signal-7-1-may-31-2013

http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/

Investigators say lightning is to blame for a house fire in Pulaski County as West Pulaski Fire Dept responded as mutual aid to a Crystal Fire Department structure fire around 10 p.m. in the 3000 block of Jack Mann Road, just east of the WPFD fire district.  The fire started during severe weather in which local meteorologists were estimating 100-200 lightning strikes per minute in the central Arkansas area.

Quick Facts about Arkansas Lightning:

• Arkansas is #5 on the The Weather Channel’s list of states with most lightning strikes  http://www.weather.com/safety/thunderstorms/top-5-lightning-prone-states-20120509?pageno=2
• 15.2 Strikes Per Square Mile
• 810,444 strikes per year with an average of 15.2 per square mile.
• No reported lightning fatalities in 2012.
• 123 fatalities from 1959-2011, which is the 11th most in the nation.
• Meteorological factors: Frontal systems during the spring, fall and winter can produce thunderstorms at times. Pop-up afternoon thunderstorms in the summer.

http://bcove.me/d1j63fah

Memorial Day is not about car sales, generic fireworks, festivals, or BBQ. It is a time to remember that our freedom is not free. Our country has paid and continues to pay the high price of freedom each time an American life is lost in war or peaceful times. This single day is intended to help honor those that have made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure our safety. Our soldiers that have lost their lives to protect OUR freedom must be honored and remembered with reverence. The families and loved ones of soldiers lost must also know how thankful and grateful we are for sacrifices made.  An extra day off of work should be enjoyed. However you plan to spend this day of rememberance, please take some time to reflect on the freedoms we all enjoy that have been paid for by the lost lives of our military heroes that cannot be with their loved ones on this day. Thank you. Be Safe.