Perhaps one of the most dangerous seasons is spring. This is the time of year when the possibility exists for severe thunderstorms, heavy rains, strong winds, and at times even the threat of tornados. The key to surviving nature's fury is to be prepared and remain alert to approaching severe weather. Prepare an emergency kit for your home consisting of flashlights, a battery operated radio, blankets, a first aid kit, bottled water, energy bars, etc. to help get you through the hours immediately following a storm or disaster.  Keep this kit readily available for use in the event of emergency.  The following link to the National Weather Service provides some excellent severe weather information and safety tips: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/severeweather/index.shtml.

On a local level, the Ravenna Police and Fire Departments monitor approaching storms and the threat of severe weather.  In the event a tornado is sighted, OR we are placed under a tornado WARNING, we will activate the city's tornado sirens to alert residents to take shelter. 

Siren Testing:

Sirens are routinely tested twice a month during tornado season to insure functionality. These tests are performed at 10:00 AM on the first Wednesday of each month and at 7:00 PM on the third Wednesday of each month.  Please note, if severe weather is imminent we will suspend these tests and thus a siren activation should be taken as an actual tornado alert.

In the event a severe storm does strike the Ravenna area the City Administration as well as the City's safety forces are committed to insuring the safety and well being of Ravenna's Citizens. Residents are urged to stay inside until safety crews are able to assess and eliminate hazardous conditions. Residents are also asked to report hazardous situations to the Ravenna Police Department at 330-296-6486, or in the case of emergency by dialing 911. Listen to your local radio stations for further information concerning additional weather advisories and/or shelter information.

For more information concerning severe weather visit the Ohio Committee For Severe Weather Awareness (OCSWA) web site at: http://www.weathersafety.ohio.gov/SpringSummerWeatherTerms.aspx