May 21, 2008

The Chester City Council approved an updated version of the city’s early warning storm/tornado siren activation policy during their meeting Monday night at city hall.

The updated version of the policy was recommended by Police Chief Ryan Coffey.

Coffey said the Chiefs of Police from all over Randolph County along with Randolph County Sheriff Fred Frederking and Randolph County States Attorney Randy Rodewald meet once a month to discuss various law enforcement and management related issued. Earlier this month, the guidelines for sounding the tornado siren were discussed.

Chief Coffey said he consulted with the city’s ESDA coordinator Danny Hecht, Fire Chief Mike Lochhead, Mayor Marty Bert, the Public Safety Committee and City Attorney Jeff Kerkhover about the changes.

The new policy states "Upon receipt of a Tornado Warning, effecting eastern Perry County, MO, Northwestern Jackson County and Southern Randolph County, issued by the National Weather Service active the Early Storm Warning Siren System. The department will also upon receipt of a verified report of active rotation in a severe thunderstorm approaching the City of Chester, IL activate the Early Storm Warning Siren System."

Chief Coffey says the siren is intended to provide citizens with an early warning of impending severe weather and the possibility of a tornado. The early tornado warning siren system has been designed to provide notice of a "Tornado Warning" to citizens who are outdoors when the National Weather Service Tornado Warning is issued. Once the siren is sounded, citizens are urged to seek shelter immediately and tune in to their local radio, television or internet website for the latest details and updates on the weather.

Citizens are asked to avoid contacting the police department for weather updates. You will be getting the same information as the police department if you tune in to the radio, television or internet weather site.

Citizens are asked to only call the police department if you need police, fire department or EMS response.