WHAT’S THE SIREN?
In Vernon County there are several warning systems which can be activated rapidly
during severe weather events, which are monitored closely by Vernon County
Emergency Management, the Vernon County Sheriff’s Office, and your local police and
fire authorities.
The most common warning devices in populated areas of Vernon County are the
community sirens. These sirens are activated when conditions exist that there is
“imminent danger”, including, but not limited to a tornado sighting. Straight-line winds,
microbursts, and downbursts associated with severe thunderstorm activity are equally
as dangerous as tornadic activity. They can also be utilized for hazardous materials
incidents, flash flooding, or other life safety events.
It is also important to know that community sirens are variable in effectiveness
according to wind direction and speed, placement of the siren, and whether someone is
inside a building or outside. As a reminder, the outdoor warning sirens are designed
only to warn those who are outdoors. Individuals are encouraged to have multiple ways
to receive alerts including NIXLE and a NOAA All Hazards Weather Radio.
The community sirens need to be tested to make sure that they are working properly.
Vernon County Emergency Management will be testing the sirens April through
SEPTEMBER of each year. This test will be done the first MONDAY of each month
at 11am. There will be one exception for the Monday test, September 4th. For that
month the sirens will be tested the following day. If inclement weather is in the area the
test will be done the next good weather day. The first day for this will be Monday April
3rd.
Furthermore, April 17-21 is Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness week in
Wisconsin. On Thursday April 20th at 1:45pm and again at 6:45pm the outdoor weather
sirens will be activated as part of the Statewide tornado drill. During these times it is the
perfect time for individuals, schools, businesses, and families to practice moving to their
designated storm shelter. If severe weather is expected on April 20th the drill will be
moved to Friday April 21st.
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Brandon Larson, WCEM, AEM
608-637-5266
brandon.larson@vernoncounty.org
