Ask the news - Dec. 24

Is there just one kind of emergency siren in Clovis? One that makes a long-tone sound for weather emergencies? What are citizens actually supposed to do when they hear the sirens?

The warning sirens in the city of Clovis have one sound that alerts citizens that a tornado is approaching, according to Ruthann Kelly.

The warning sirens also are tested each Wednesday at 4 p.m. for about three minutes.

Kelly is the newly appointed emergency management director for Clovis/Curry County.

“The warning sirens are to warn people outside that they need to seek shelter. The best place to seek shelter is a basement but the innermost room on the lowest floor is also an option,” Kelly wrote in an email.

Kelly added area residents can also get alerts from a weather radio or subscribe to alerts via Nixle by texting “88101” to 888777.

“A family should create an emergency plan for severe weather and other events,” Kelly wrote.

She pointed out the plan should include where the family is going to meet if not together, where they are going to go, and how they are going to communicate with each other.

“A family should also have an emergency supply kit assembled and located in their home. In case of evacuation, store your kit in bags that can be taken with you on the way out of your home,” Kelly wrote.

Kelly encouraged those interested to learn more at the Emergency Management office’s website at http://www.oem.cityofclovis.org .

“Find our office on Facebook, Instagram or X by searching for ‘ClovisNMOEM,’” Kelly wrote.

Kelly also invited the public to contact the office with questions.

The Clovis/Curry County Office of Emergency Management is in Clovis City Hall at 321 N Connelly. The office is open during normal business hours, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The office can also be reached by calling 575-763-9494 or emailing [email protected] .

Kelly was recently promoted to director after Dan Heerding left the post over the summer. Kelly has worked for the city since 2004 and the Emergency Management Office since 2014.

Do you have a question for The News? Call 575-763-3431 or email:

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