Outdoor Warning System

About the System

The City of Batavia operates an outdoor warning siren system for use in alerting residents to major emergencies. Although they are used most often to warn of approaching Severe Weather, they may also be activated for other emergencies.

Sirens

The City installed its first siren in the early 1960s. Today there are eight sirens that comprise Batavia's warning siren system. They include the following:

  • A Federal Signal model T-Bolt located at Gustafson School in 1986
  • A Federal Signal model T-Bolt located at Louise White School in 1986
  • A Federal Signal model 2001DC located at the ESDA/EOC Building in 1995
  • A Federal Signal model 2001DC located at the Cottage Road well in 1998
  • A Federal Signal model 2001DC located at Hubbard and Hunter in 1999
  • A Federal Signal model 2001DC located at the Ward Road substation in 2001
  • A Federal Signal model 2001DC located at the McKee Street substation in 2001
Outdoor Warning Siren on Telephone Pole

Purposes

All of the sirens are capable of producing two signals. These signals are used for two distinct purposes: 7 Minute Steady Blast: This signal is when a wall cloud, tornado, or golf ball sized hail is spotted by a trained spotter.

7 Minute Up-And-Down Blast: In accordance with Federal guidelines, this signal is used only in the event of a serious national emergency.

What to Do

If you hear a siren sounding, you should take immediate action to protect you and your family. You should go indoors and turn your radio to WBIG, AM 1280 for emergency information or instructions. Other radio or television stations may also broadcast emergency information. It is important that you do not call 9-1-1 simply to find out why the sirens are sounding. This only overloads the 9-1-1 circuits for emergency calls. Only call 9-1-1 if you have an emergency where you are.

All Clear Signals

Often times people believe that the sirens are sounded after an emergency has passed to indicate an all clear. The City of Batavia does not issue an "all clear" by activating the sirens. For information on the emergency, including when conditions are no longer threatening, your best source of information is your radio or television. For any questions concerning this information, please call Batavia ESDA at 630-454-2200. Please follow prompts, leave your name, address and all applicable phone numbers and an ESDA officer will return your call.