The city has installed Early Warning Systems throughout the City of Brentwood. The project  involved research as to the location and number of emergency sirens needed, as well as the type of siren and activation method used. Locations were selected to provide the best coverage for the warning system.

The warning system works as follows:

• A warning receiver, which is listening to three sources, receives a tornado warning for a southern Davidson County or Northern Williamson County.

• The receiver notifies the dispatcher and the early warning system.

• The early warning system will activate the sirens.

• The early warning system will also activate preprogrammed messages and the weather warning on a City-operated radio station.

The warning devices located at Crockett Park and Granny White Park will be equipped with lightning detection and play verbal messages warning of possible lightning strikes.

TORNADOES

When a tornado is coming, you have only a short amount of time to make life-or-death decisions. Advance planning and quick response are the keys to surviving a tornado.

BEFORE

• Conduct tornado drills each tornado season.

• Designate an area in the home as a shelter, and practice having everyone in the family go there in response to a tornado threat.

• Discuss with family members the difference between a "tornado watch" and a "tornado warning."

• Have disaster supplies on hand.

1. Flashlight and extra batteries

2. Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries

3. First aid kit and manual

4. Emergency food and water

5. Non-electric can opener

6. Essential medicines

7. Cash and credit cards

8. Sturdy shoes

• Develop an emergency communication plan.

• In case family members are separated from one another during a tornado (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school), have a plan for getting back together.

• Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the "family contact." After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address, and phone number of the contact person.

A tornado watch is issued by the National Weather Service when tornadoes are possible in your area. Remain alert for approaching storms. This is time to remind family members where the safest places within your home are located, and listen to the radio or television for further developments.

A tornado warning is issued when a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar.

Tornado Danger Signs

Learn these tornado danger signs:

• An approaching cloud of debris can mark the location of a tornado even if a funnel is not visible.

• Before a tornado hits, the wind may die down and the air may become very still.

• Tornadoes generally occur near the trailing edge of a thunderstorm. It is not uncommon to see clear, sunlit skies behind a tornado.

DURING

If at home:

• Go at once to the basement, storm cellar, or the lowest level of the building.

• If there is no basement, go to an inner hallway or a smaller inner room without windows, such as a bathroom or closet.

• Get away from the windows.

• Go to the center of the room. Stay away from corners because they tend to attract debris.

• Get under a piece of sturdy furniture such as a workbench or heavy table or desk and hold on to it.

• Use arms to protect head and neck.

• If in a mobile home, get out and find shelter elsewhere.

If at work or school:

• Go to the basement or to an inside hallway at the lowest level.

• Avoid places with wide-span roofs such as auditoriums, cafeterias, large hallways, or shopping malls.

• Get under a piece of sturdy furniture such as a workbench or heavy table or desk and hold on to it.

• Use arms to protect head and neck.

If outdoors:

• If possible, get inside a building.

• If shelter is not available or there is no time to get indoors, lie in a ditch or low-lying area or crouch near a strong building. Be aware of the potential for flooding.

• Use arms to protect head and neck.

If in a car:

• Never try to out-drive a tornado in a car or truck. Tornadoes can change direction quickly and can lift up a car or truck and toss it through the air.

• Get out of the car immediately and take shelter in a nearby building.

• If there is no time to get indoors, get out of the car and lie in a ditch or low-lying area away from the vehicle. Be aware of the potential for flooding.

F-0: 40-72 mph, chimney damage, tree branches broken
F-1: 73-112 mph, mobile homes pushed off foundation or overturned
F-2: 113-157 mph, considerable damage, mobile homes demolished, trees uprooted
F-3: 158-205 mph, roofs and walls torn down, trains overturned, cars thrown
F-4: 207-260 mph, well-constructed walls leveled
F-5: 261-318 mph, homes lifted off foundation and carried considerable distances, autos thrown as far as 100 meters

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For more information, please visit the following Web Sites:
National Severe Storms Laboratory - NSSL home page
WeatherNet - A good weather site
The Earthwatch page has weather graphics that are used by television stations
FEMA - Federal Emergency Management Agency