Outdoor Warning Sirens

Criteria for Siren Activation

The Outdoor Warning Sirens in Anoka County may be activated for any of the following conditions:

  1. The National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning for any community dispatched by Anoka County Emergency Communications Center.
  2. A trained weather observer has observed a tornado in any community dispatched by Anoka County Emergency Communications Center and requested activation of the sirens.
  3. A trained Law Enforcement Officer has observed a tornado in Anoka County and has requested siren activation.
  4. An on-scene Fire Department Incident Commander has requested activation of sirens to alert the public of a hazardous materials or other life-threatening incident.
  5. The Anoka County Emergency Management Director has requested activation of the sirens.
  6. Testing and Maintenance operations

Monthly Siren Testing

The Outdoor Warning Siren System is tested at 1300 hours (1 PM) on the first Wednesday of each month.

When testing, sirens will sound for approximately one minute and should not repeat.  In an actual emergency, sirens are sounded for approximately 3 minutes and may repeat several times.

Reminder

The Outdoor Warning Sirens are meant to be heard for outdoor activities.  The sirens may not be heard inside buildings.