Family Education Tradition Philanthropy
Severe Weather Emergencies Q & A
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What should I do if I hear an outdoor warning siren ? Seek shelter immediately . Once inside , you should turn on a TV or radio to learn further information . Local officials will be disseminating information about the emergency through these media outlets .
When are outdoor warning sirens activated ? When a public safety officer ( Police , Fire or EMS ) or trained spotter reports sighting a funnel cloud or tornado in or near the City of Lake Forest . The sirens are also activated when the National Weather Service issues a tornado warning for Lake County when the area is in the track of the storm . The sirens may also be activated by the Fire Department or Police Department in cases where residents ’ safety is at risk .
When should I expect to hear testing of the outdoor warning sirens ? They are tested on the first Tuesday of each month at 10 a . m . for a one-minute duration . The sirens produce a loud , steady tone during the test as well as during an actual tornado warning . An announcement comes on stating that it is a test .
What is the difference between a Watch and a Warning ? A Thunderstorm Watch means that severe weather is possible ; a Thunderstorm Warning means that severe weather is in the immediate area . A Tornado Watch means that conditions are present that could produce a tornado . A Tornado Warning means that one has been sighted , and that you should seek shelter . The sirens will only be activated for a tornado warning or if a trained spotter reports a funnel cloud or an actual tornado . In all cases , refer to the radio or television for updates .
Strategic Planning
Lake Forest continues to develop long-term plans and goals to ensure the City remains well-managed , while protecting and enhancing the community ’ s rich heritage , historic architecture , residential neighborhoods , natural resources , open spaces , recreational areas and overall unique sense of place . This is a result of the City ’ s commitment to its four cornerstones : Family , Education , Tradition & Philanthropy , as well as its mission to “ be the best-managed , fiscallyresponsible and appealing community which promotes a community spirit of trust , respect and citizen involvement .”
In efforts to live up to these commitments , it is important to periodically identify the state of the City and to confirm that Lake Forest is carrying on the broader visionary concepts of our forefathers . In 2016 , the Mayor and City Council directed the City staff to conduct a series of voluntary community engagement activities , including the “ Future for All Generations ” Workshop and the Strategic Planning Retreat . These community engagement tools were used to stimulate civil debate , gather a greater awareness of the challenges and opportunities facing Lake Forest , and guide further discussion about the future of Lake Forest .
As a result of these gatherings , six topic areas were identified and incorporated into the City ’ s Strategic Plan . Over the next few months , the Strategic Plan goals , objectives and strategies will be discussed at City Council meetings and how these reports can be incorporated into an updated Comprehensive City Plan .
Thank you to all of the residents , community stakeholders , City Council and staff who participated in the Community- Wide Survey , the Community Engagement Forums and Workshops as well as the Strategic Planning Retreat .
You may view the Strategic Plan at cityoflakeforest . com .
Will the sirens provide an “ All Clear ” signal ? No . If the City is threatened by a tornado , the sirens will be activated . Any “ All Clear ” information is provided by the local news media .
To receive further information about City Emergency Services , please contact Fire Marshal Bernie Arends at 847.810.3891 or arendsb @ cityoflakeforest . com .
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