Emergency sirens have several different meanings depending on the tones– however, many people seem unclear on what exactly they're signaling.
The Tulsa Area Emergency Management Agency controls the sirens. Officials decide on when to sound them based on information from the National Weather Service and other authorities.
Many people hearing the sirens think, when they stop that signals the threat is over. However, for the Tulsa area, the sirens sound in three minute intervals and will continue intermittently until the threat or warning is over.
The sirens are meant to get people's attention. Many residents become concerned when they cannot hear the sirens inside, but authorities indicate they are primarily intended for people outside without shelter. Sirens are designed to get attention and direct residents to seek out more information about the emergency once they have shelter.
There are three types of siren tones in the Tulsa area signaling tornados/chemical agents, flooding or a nuclear attack. Hear samples of the tones here.
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