Here is where to find additional information related to the WSBT News series on Michiana's tornado siren systems:

Links to Siren Coverage Maps

As part of our investigation, WSBT News located emergency sirens in 11 Michiana counties, covering nearly 100 communities. However, these maps are limited to information provided to us by local officials. Sirens in some communities, or sirens operated by townships or private groups, may not be shown. Coverage areas will vary by siren location and weather conditions. WSBT News cannot guarantee you will hear sirens in the exact coverage areas depicted.

Click on the map below to see the tornado siren coverage area for each county.

Codes for programming your NOAA Weather Radio

NOAA Weather Radio can be a great first source of warning in the event of severe weather. Warnings sound automatically via radio signal, alerting you to the threat -- then you can turn on WSBT News for detailed warning information and live updates. Most radios are portable and battery-operated. Specifically, you should look for a radio with SAME (Specific Area Message Encoding) technology. This allows you to program the radio for your home county, or nearby counties, so the alarm only sounds for storms that are approaching your home.

     Here are the codes you'll use to program your radio for Michiana counties:

• Berrien - 026021
• Cass - 026027
• St. Joseph (Michigan) - 026149
• LaPorte - 018091
• St. Joseph (Indiana) - 018141
• Elkhart - 018039
• Lagrange - 018087
• Starke - 018149
• Marshall - 018099
• Kosciusko - 018085
• Pulaski - 018131
• Fulton - 018049

WSBT Alert

The WSBT Alert system is a service that sends severe weather watches and warnings to your cell phone via a text message. You can customize it to your home county, and if desired, also choose to receive daily weather forecasts and breaking news. The service is free, although you should check with your phone provider to see if they charge for incoming text messages. Click here to sign up for WSBT Alert.

Building a Family Disaster Supply Kit

Emergency management officials strongly recommend that families prepare for any possible disaster, including severe weather, by putting together an emergency supply kit. Ideally, such a kit will provide for all of your basic needs for at least three days. Here is the Federal Emergency Management Agency's list of items you should include (generally listed with the most important items first):

• Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
• Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
• Local maps
• Prescription medications and glasses
• Infant formula and diapers
• Pet food and extra water for your pet
• Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container.
• Cash or traveler’s checks and change
• Emergency reference material such as a first aid book or information from www.ready.gov
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate.
• Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate.
• Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper – When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color-safe, or bleaches with added cleaners.
• Fire Extinguisher
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
• Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels
• Paper and pencil
• Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

Questions? Comments?

     Click here to e-mail the WSBT Weather Team.