Douglas County Outdoor Warning Siren Testing Policy

 

Revised October 31, 2008

   

Siren Testing Protocol

 

There are three different audible siren tests that may be performed throughout the year.  The frequency and type of siren test is described below.

 

1. Monthly Siren Test.  This siren test will take place each month for Douglas County beginning with Severe Weather Awareness Week as determined by the National Weather Service and end with the last test in October of each year.  Severe Weather Awareness Week usually takes place at the end of March or during the first week of April of each year.  The purpose of the test is to assess siren performance as indicated by the siren computer.  The Monthly Siren Test Protocol is described below.

 

1. For calendar year 2009 and thereafter, the siren test will take place on the first Wednesday of the month at 11:00 AM.
2. A public announcement through the local media will originate from DCEMA prior to the siren test date.
3. Douglas County Communications (911) will sound the sirens.
4. To avoid confusion by the public, the siren test will be delayed two hours if the weather looks threatening at the regularly scheduled time on the day of the test.
5. DCEMA will assess any siren failures.
6. If any failures are noted, DC EMA will notify the siren maintenance provider of the failures who will in turn, notify DCEMA when the repairs are completed.
7. DCEMA will consult with the siren maintenance provider and address any new or additional issues that may be identified by the siren manufacturer.

     

2. Annual Visual Siren Test.  A visual siren test will take place during Severe Weather Awareness Week as announced by the National Weather Service.  The testing may involve multiple tones of the sirens.  Based on the number of radio communication volunteers available to travel from siren to siren, there may be up to four soundings of the sirens.  The Annual Visual Siren Test Protocol is described below.

 

1. The siren test will normally take place during Severe Weather Awareness Week as determined by the National Weather Service, not DCEMA. 
2. A public announcement through the local media will originate from DCEMA during the week prior to the test to inform citizens as to actual date(s) and time of the siren test(s).
3. Douglas County Communications (911) will sound the first tone of the sirens as directed by DCEMA.
4. To avoid confusion by the public, the siren test will be delayed two hours if the weather looks threatening on the day of the test.
5. DCEMA will coordinate the placement of the amateur radio observers and collect their observation data and assess any observed siren failures.
6. DCEMA will notify the siren maintenance provider of any failures who will in turn, notify DCEMA when the repairs are completed.
7. DCEMA will consult with the siren maintenance provider and address any new or additional issues that may be identified by the siren manufacturer.

 

3. Special Siren Test.  On occasion a Special Siren Test of an individual siren may be required to assess their readiness.  Should this be necessary, the Special Siren Test Protocol to be followed is described below.

 

1. DCEMA will notify the siren maintenance provider of the need for a Special Siren Test.  On occasion, the siren maintenance provider may notify DCEMA of the need for a special siren test as part of their maintenance operations.
2. DCEMA and the maintenance provider will notify 911 of the Special Siren Test.
3. To avoid confusion by the public, the siren test will be canceled if the weather appears threatening.
4. DCEMA will activate the siren.
5. DC EMA in cooperation with the siren maintenance provider will assess the performance of the siren(s).
6. DCEMA will consult with the siren maintenance contractor and address any new or additional issues that may be identified by the siren manufacturer.