Latest local news, weather and high school sports for Tri-State area

QUINCY, ILL. -- You probably heard the tornado sirens sound in Quincy on Friday evening as severe weather rolled through the area.

Luckily, that storm headed across northeast Missouri fell apart as it crossed the Mississippi River into Illinois.

But hearing the sirens for the first time this spring made us wonder...how do you know when it's safe to come up from your basement or other safe place after you've taken shelter from the storm?

This is what we found out when we spoke with emergency officials in Hannibal, Quincy, Keokuk and Macomb.

The reason for sounding weather sirens is to let people people who are outside know they should seek shelter inside.

Ideal locations would be a basement, bathroom or closet, away from windows.

Once inside, listen to your weather radio, or check your television, radio or computer for the latest information on the storm.

Most tornado and severe thunderstorm warnings issued from the National Weather Service last between a half-hour and 45 minutes.

Keep in mind, even though a tornado or severe thunderstorm warning has expired or been cancelled, other storms might pop up.

That's one reason Tri-State cities we checked with do not have all-clear signals, that could be very confusing, and could put residents in danger if another storm pops up quickly.