Emergency Management
Sirens
- Ottawa County uses sirens to notify residents of any emergency situation.
- They are tested at noon on the first Friday of each month from April through October.
What are the sirens used for?
Sirens are used to alert those that are outside to possible danger. That danger may be in the form of serious weather or an incident that would require people to go indoors immediately (shelter-in-place).
What should I do when I hear the sirens?
When a siren sounds you should move indoors to a safe structure and tune to a local radio, TV or NOAA weather radio for more information.
Why can’t I hear the sirens inside my house?
Sirens are an outdoor warning system designed only to alert those that are outside that something dangerous is approaching.
What do I do if the weather becomes threatening, but a warning has not been issued?
Do not wait to take cover. Go to a basement, interior hall or bathroom. Leave mobile homes.
What do I do if I hear the sirens go off but the weather is nice out?
Take shelter indoors and seek more information. The outdoor warning sirens can be used to warn of a variety of emergencies, many that are unrelated to the weather, such as a nearby chemical release.