The National Weather Service, under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) of the federal government, declared Bridgeview STORM READY! Thanks to the efforts of Fire Chief Kieth Grzadziel and Water Plant Operator William Green, Bridgeview can now display our StormReady certification!
Being StormReady means Bridgeview has
- Established a 24-hour warning point and emergency operations center;
- Redundant communications systems to receive severe weather forecasts and warnings and to alert the public.
- Created a system that monitors local weather conditions;
- Promoted the importance of public readiness through community seminars;
- Developed a formal hazardous weather plan, which includes training severe weather spotters and holding emergency exercises.
Bridgeview’s outdoor warning siren system — a critical part of the community’s severe weather alert infrastructure — has recently undergone upgrades and continues to be maintained to ensure residents stay safe when severe weather threatens. The Village’s two outdoor sirens, located at the Village Hall, and Muehe Park, now include enhanced automatic activation.
To keep the sirens in good working order, Bridgeview’s warning sirens are serviced each year prior to the beginning of severe weather season. The Village of Bridgeview regularly tests the outdoor warning sirens on the first Tuesday of each month at 10:00AM. These tests help verify that the system is functioning properly and familiarize residents with the sound so that it’s recognizable if activated during an actual emergency.
Residents should note that sirens are primarily intended to alert people outdoors to seek shelter. Sirens may not be heard well inside homes or businesses, especially with doors and windows closed. Because of this, sirens should not be the only source of severe weather alerts.
The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) offers important guidance to help families and individuals stay safe during tornadoes and other severe weather events.
