From The Tribune staff reports
BIRMINGHAM — The Jefferson County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) will test outdoor warning sirens on Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2021.
The EMA tests sirens on the first Wednesday of each month to ensure they are in working order. The test will be one week and two days after a deadly tornado hit Fultondale, Center Point and other parts of northeast Jefferson County.
The Jefferson County EMA understands that many people in the county, especially those within the recent tornado damage area, are trying to grapple with the devastation left behind,” the EMA said in a press release. “We are working very hard with all our partners to take care of their immediate and long-term needs.”
The test will begin at 10 a.m. The EMA will post a survey on Facebook and Twitter, for residents to complete in order to help officials verify problem sirens.
“We greatly appreciate the public’s patience and understanding as we work to ensure this one particular tool of emergency mass communication is working properly,” the EMA said.
The sirens in Jefferson County operate off of a polygon warning system. The EMA said residents should never rely solely on a siren for a tornado warning and should always have multiple ways of receiving warning information such as a weather radio and weather apps. The county also has its own notification system, Everbridge.
Visit www.jeffcoema.org and click on the “Emergency Preparedness” tab at the top for more information.