Ever heard the emergency sirens wailing and wondered, “Is it a tornado?” If you’re like many Benbrook residents, you might think they only go off when a tornado is nearby.
But actually, these sirens are a little more versatile than that.
Benbrook’s local officials activate the outdoor weather sirens not just for tornadoes, but also for other severe weather conditions that could pose a danger to residents. This includes instances when a tornado has been sighted, is approaching, or when the weather presents risks such as winds sustained at over 70 mph or hail the size of a quarter or larger.
You might also notice the sirens going off when there’s a severe thunderstorm warning. While the warning could include high winds and the possibility of hail, it’s important to know the sirens are meant to alert those outdoors to seek shelter—essentially, they signal when dangerous weather is on the way.
Here’s what to expect: The sirens sound a long, steady tone that lasts for about three minutes. This tone can vary slightly in pitch as the siren moves to warn different locations, and it might be repeated if the weather conditions persist. But here’s a crucial point: the sirens are only activated if the dangerous weather will directly impact Benbrook, not if it’s a broader countywide alert.
So, if you hear the sirens, it’s time to pay attention and take action—whether it’s heading indoors or checking your weather alerts. While it’s easy to feel uneasy when the sirens go off, remember that Benbrook officials prioritize your safety and are just trying to keep us informed in case of severe weather.
For the full details on when the sirens are activated, visit the official Benbrook website at Benbrook’s Weather Sirens. Stay safe out there, Benbrook!
