Outdoor Warning Systems & Tornado Sirens
The Western Will County Communication Center (WESCOM) is responsible for the activation of these sirens.
The sirens are used to alert the public of severe weather that may include tornadoes, and the need for the public to seek proper shelter.
The sirens are tested on the first Tuesday of every month at 10 a.m.
The sirens may be activated under the following situations:
- The National Weather Service issues a tornado warning for Will County.
- Sighting of a funnel cloud in Wilmington or a neighboring community by a trained weather spotter.
- Upon orders by appropriate public safety personnel.
Upon activation of the sirens you should seek proper shelter. The National Weather Service recommends the following:
- In a home or building move to the basement, if there is no basement, move to an interior room without windows, such as a bathroom or interior closet.
- Avoid places with wide-span roofs such as auditoriums, cafeterias, large hallways, or shopping malls.
- While driving get out of your vehicle and seek shelter in a nearby building, if there is not a building available, lie flat in a ditch or low-lying area. Do not seek shelter under a bridge.
There is not an all-clear siren, so please rely on your radio or TV for updates on the weather situation. AM radio 720 (WGN), 780 (WBBM) or on the Web at www.nws.noaa.gov. Comcast Cable will also interrupt programming with the emergency cable television override system with alerts regarding severe weather in the area.
UNLESS YOU HAVE AN EMERGENCY THAT REQUIRES ASSISTANCE, PLEASE DO NOT CALL 911 OR THE NON-EMERGENCY NUMBER TO INQUIRE ON WHY THE SIRENS HAVE BEEN ACTIVATED.
If you have any weather related questions you can call the National Weather Service 8 a.m-8 p.m at 815-834-1435
