Severe Thunderstorms can cause as much damage as a tornado, and should be treated just as serious. Tornadoes often form inside severe thunderstorms. When a severe thunderstorm approaches you should take the same precautions as in the event of a tornado.

Prepare and Emergency Kit for the event of an emergency. This kit should contain at the minimum: batteries, flashlights, battery operated radio, first aid kit, and bottled water.

In the cities of Munford and Atoka, Civil Defense sirens are sounded in the event of severe weather. When these sirens are sounded no time should be wasted in activating your family Emergency Plan and taking cover. DO NOT CALL TO INVESTIGATE THE SIREN WARNING!!!  Conditions that warrant the sounding of the sirens include: actual sighting of a tornado in the line of the cities, Severe Thunderstorm warnings by the National Weather Service where tornadic activity or very high winds are present, or in the opinion of the Fire Department sufficient danger is present to warn the public to take cover.

The sirens will sound continuously. They are programmed to sound for a period of 3 minutes; however, reactivation of the sirens may occur if the situation has not bettered. An "All Clear" air horn sound will occur from the sirens when the situation has cleared to a more safe storm situation.

Always put YOUR safety first in the event of a severe thunderstorm. Property and possessions can be replaced!