Effective immediately, the city of Austin will limit siren warnings for tornados to three minutes at the onset of the storm, instead of the entire duration as tradition — a move that authorities say will spare equipment, coincide with statewide trends and encourage residents to take a more active role in their safety.

“The point of talking about it today is it’s really important that the public learn, understand and know these changes,” Austin Police Chief Philipp said. “Because it’s a pretty big deal.”

Following the conclusion of the three-minute signal, people are advised to take shelter inside and tune in to local media for weather updates. According to a press release, sirens will sound a second time only if a new warning is issued by the National Weather Service or a new sighting occurs.

Philipp said the new policy comes following Austin’s last siren call several weeks ago, which sounded for 20 minutes and, as a result, strained the siren system. A constant tone excessively heats the motors, he said, increasingly the likelihood of damage, and putting the system at risk for failure if multiple tornados strike in one day.

“If we burn out the siren on the first one, it kind of leaves us without an opportunity to get out to the public,” Philipp said.

Recent experiences throughout southern Minnesota and northern Iowa have also encouraged authorites to reconsider the most effective means for tornado warnings, which statewide trends suggest is the shorter signal.

“The majority of communities sound only for a tornado, and only initially too to announce that warning,” Philipp said. “They aren’t meant be a constant reminder of the weather outside.”

“We’re one of the few who runs throughout the duration,” he added.

The chief stated that some believe a second warning should sound following the conclusion of the tornado; he said that tends to create confusion and isn’t common practice.

“People really need to take an active role in providing their own safety,” the chief stated, adding that people should also devise an emergency weather plan with family members and create a kit, complete with water, food item and other supplies, in case the worst occurs.

“Be prepared — that’s the constant message we are trying to share,” he said.

Austin’s emergency system equipment was refurbished about four years ago, a process that included battery upgrades to the dozen or so sirens in town. Philipp reiterated that the sirens are designed to warn those still outside after a tornado has struck; after that local media is best designed to provide updates.

The press release said residents should not call the Law Enforcement Center for weather news once the siren rings.

“Whenever severe weather is possible, all citizens should monitor local media or NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration) for accurate and current storm information,” the press release said.

The city controls warning sirens for smaller communities throughout Mower County. Philipp stated authorities there, including the sheriff’s office and local governments, will determine independently whether to follow Austin’s lead.

The chief noted that the traditional approach has been in place for “quite some time.”