Minonk ESDA Director, Tonya Minz, reminds residents that the city’s tornado sirens will be activated if a tornado is sighted in the area or conditions are right for a tornado to form. If residents hear the siren, they should immediately take shelter in a basement, away from the west and south walls. Hiding under a heavy work-table or under the stairs will protect the family from crumbling walls, chimneys, and large airborne debris falling into the cellar.

If the building does not have a basement, take shelter in a small, windowless room on the first floor, like a closet, bathroom or hallway. Getting into an empty bathtub with a couch cushion over you will provide protection from falling debris.

Consistent with Woodford County ESDA practice, Minonk will no longer be sounding an “all clear” siren after the storm has passed. The siren will be activated a second time only if another tornado is sighted or conditions are right for another tornado to form.

Minonk’s tornado sirens are tested at 10:00 AM on the first Tuesday of every month. If storms are in the area, the test will be canceled for that particular month.