So what does it really mean when those warning sirens go off in the city? Take cover immediately?

Not necessarily, according to McCook Fire Chief Marc Harpham, who gave an update about the city's outdoor warning sirens at the regular city council meeting Monday night.

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Harpham said upon hearing the sirens, citizens should immediately tune in to local radio or television stations for information concerning the siren activation. At that point, further instructions or information will be provided.

The decision to activate the eight sirens located in the city comes when the National Weather Service issues a tornado warning, he said. Sirens can also be turned on when Information from local spotters, police officers or the Red Willow County Sheriff's Department confirm a funnel cloud, he added.

"Anytime we're in a watch or warning and we feel McCook is in a threat, we sound them to warn the public," Harpham said.

The catch-22 is that tornadoes can form with little or no warning from severe thunderstorms, Harpham said after the meeting, so although city officials are cautious when sounding the sirens, they also want to be pro-active.

The sirens can also be used when there is no obvious weather threat but some other emergency has occurred. This happened in on a clear Sunday morning July 2004, Harpham said, when an anhydrous ammonia leak formed a toxic cloud in South McCook and the public was alerted.

The siren warning system is tested the first Monday of the month at noon, except during threatening weather.

In response to a question by Mayor Dennis Berry, there is no all-clear siren given, Harpham said, as sometimes second storms can follow rapidly after the first storm.

Of the eight sirens that cover 100 percent of the city, half are rotating that emit sound to 3,800 feet. Stationary sirens are heard to 1,700-1,800 feet.

The city owns all the sirens except for the one at the McCook Community College campus, that is owned by the college.

Locations of the sirens are:

1. 526 West B, police station

2. North of South Street on Karrer Street - rotating

3. alley north of A Street, between West First and Norris Avenue, library - rotating

4. alley north of north Cherokee between Pawnee and Elizabeth Street

5.alley south of F Street, between East 14th and Gemini

6. West Eighth and S Streets - rotating

7. 2210 West J, Trenton Electric - rotating.

8. East 11th and Kelley Court