Outdoor warning sirens are used to alert people who are outdoors to life-threatening emergencies. Sirens should not be relied on as an indoor warning system. Once you've taken shelter, seek additional information through news and alert sources.
When Dakota County activates outdoor warning sirens
- When the National Weather Service issues a tornado warning in Dakota County. It is possible for a new warning to be issued before a previous warning expires.
- When the National Weather Service indicates sustained wind speeds at or exceeding 70 miles per hour
- When the National Weather Service indicates hail baseball size (2.75 inches) or larger
- When a city or county public safety official requests siren activation due to imminent danger to life or property.
- Outdoor warning sirens are activated in the areas or cities listed in the warning polygon. This is provided by the National Weather Service which may include cities in the storm's path.
When you hear a siren
Go indoors immediately and monitor local TV, weather radios or official alert sources for more information.
When the threat is over
When the sirens are activated, they will sound for four minutes and then stop. The threat of severe weather does not stop when the sirens stop. Residents should continue to shelter and stay tuned to local TV stations, internet sites and mobile apps also have tools that can send warnings to your computer and cellular phone, or NOAA weather radios for the duration of the warning period.
All-clear signals
All-clear signals are not used in Dakota County. Continue to monitor trusted sources to be notified once the danger has passed.
Outdoor warning sirens not meant for indoor alerts
Outdoor warning sirens are meant to alert people outside that there is immediate danger. When you hear outdoor warning sirens, it means that you should:
- Get inside: Find a sturdy shelter immediately. Go to the lowest level. Find a small room far away from outside windows. Get into a bathtub or other protective place, like under a sturdy workbench. Protect your head with a helmet if you can.
- Get information: Have a battery-powered radio with you in your shelter. Special NOAA Weather Radios provide very accurate information. Local radio stations and local TV stations also provide vital information.
Reasons you don't hear a siren
Sirens may not always be heard indoors, during loud weather, or if the alert did not include your area. Use multiple alert methods to stay informed. If you have concerns about siren coverage in your area, contact your local emergency management office.
Siren activation
Dakota 911 activates the warning sirens. Dakota County does not make the decision of where or when to activate warning sirens. Outdoor Warning Siren policy has been agreed upon by emergency managers from each city in the county.
Siren testing
The Dakota County 911 Communications Center tests all sirens in Dakota County at 1 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month throughout the year. It is also tested every year during Severe Weather Awareness Week which occurs in the beginning of April. The test occurs on Thursday of that week at 1:45 p.m. and 6:45 p.m.
More information
Use a certified NOAA Weather Radio for real-time updates from the National Weather Service. To receive emergency alerts, sign-up for the Emergency Alert Program coordinated by Dakota 911 dispatch.