By the Marshfield Police Department

The city of Marshfield emergency management has an outdoor emergency weather warning system consisting of sirens placed throughout the city. The sounding of sirens is a signal of severe weather approaching the Marshfield area. During a severe weather warning, tune in to local radio and television stations or *Nixle for further information.

Before the storm be prepared by having a disaster supply kit on hand. A disaster kit is a collection of basic items a family would probably need to stay safe and be more comfortable during and after a disaster.

This kit should include the following:

• Three-day supply of nonperishable food and a manual can opener
• Three-day supply of water — one gallon of water per person per day
• Portable, battery-powered radio or television and extra batteries
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit and manual
• Sanitation and hygiene items — hand sanitizer, moist towelettes, and toilet paper
• Matches or a lighter in a waterproof container
• Extra clothing and blankets
• Kitchen accessories and cooking utensils
• Photocopies of identification and credit cards
• Cash and coins
• Special needs items, such as prescription medications, eye glasses, contact lens solution, and hearing aid batteries
• Items for infants such as formula, diapers, bottles, and pacifiers
• Tools, pet supplies, a map of the local area, and other items to meet your unique family needs

If a warning is issued or if threatening weather approaches:

• Move to a pre-designated shelter, such as a basement
• If an underground shelter is not available, move to an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor and get under a sturdy piece of furniture
• Stay away from windows
• If caught outside or in a vehicle, lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression
• Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes and should be abandoned

Further information may be found by accessing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) internet website at www.fema.gov, as well as the American Red Cross at http://www.redcross.org.

Marshfield sirens are tested every Wednesday about 1:30 p.m. to make sure they are in working order.

*Nixle is a service that allows you to receive trusted and up-to-date neighborhood information for where you live, work, visit, or for where your family and friends are located throughout the country. This service is at no cost to you. You choose how you want to receive the information, whether it is over your cell phone by text message, email, or over the web. This service allows you to stay connected to what is happening in the communities and locations that are relevant to you. To join, go to www.nixle.com to register.