Technology improves severe weather notifications

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- When severe weather rolls through like it did on Sunday, November 17th, how do you know when to seek shelter? More and more, technology is the first line of defense.

For many years, the sound of a siren has always been the cue that it's time to seek shelter. But it's not a perfect warning device.

"Sometimes our viewers will comment on how they didn't hear the tornado sirens, whether they possibly didn't sound," said FOX6 Meteorologist Brittney Sager. "But also when a storm comes through, winds are howling. So sometimes they tend not to hear the sirens from their home just due to Mother Nature."

When dangerous storms are brewing, it's important to use the warning platforms available to you in today's mobile society.

"There are many platforms you can use. The National Weather Service is one that we use here at Milwaukee County Emergency Management. We advise everyone in their households to have a NOAA weather radio. It is very useful it will alert you 24 hours a day," said Genene Hibbler.

Whatever alert medium is your favorite -- weather radio, cell phone alerts or even the FOX6 News mobile app -- experts say it's important to diversify your information sources.