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OKLAHOMA CITY – Tornado season in Oklahoma can be a bit nerve wracking for residents in Mother Nature’s path of destruction.

When tornado sirens sound, officials say many Oklahomans ignore the warning because the sirens often sound for storms out of their area.

In the past, tornado sirens have sounded when a tornado warning was issued anywhere in the county.

As a result, experts say residents far from the threat were also hearing the warning.

That policy has changed.

In December, Oklahoma City adopted a new tornado siren policy that divides the city into zones.

When the National Weather Service issues a tornado warning, only the sirens in zones covered by the warning will sound.

Organizers say anyone who hears a tornado siren is more likely to be close to a dangerous storm.

Officials will still have the discretion to activate sirens across a wider area if necessary.

“Oklahoma City’s new tornado siren policy makes it more important than ever to immediately take shelter and get more information when you hear a siren. The important new policy change divides OKC into zones. When the US National Weather Service Norman Oklahoma issues a tornado warning, only the sirens in zones covered by the warning will sound. Residents and visitors don’t need to know what zone they’re in, only to immediately take shelter and get more information if they hear a siren. For more info and severe weather safety tips visit www.okc.gov/prepare.”