Carver County outdoor warning siren activation criteria

• When a Tornado Warning is issued for Carver County by the National Weather Service

• When the National Weather Service indicates wind speeds at or exceeding 70 miles per hour.

• When the National Weather Service indicates hail baseball size (2.75") or larger.

• When a city or county public safety official requests siren activation due to imminent danger to life and/or property.

• Sirens are activated for each Tornado Warning issued by the National Weather Service; it is possible for a new warning to be issued before a previous warning expires.

• Outdoor warning sirens are activated in the areas/cities listed in the warning polygon that is provided by the National Weather Service and potentially cities in the storm’s path.

Carver County does not issue an “all-clear” tone from the outdoor sirens. The threat of severe weather does not stop when the sirens stop. Continue to shelter and stay tuned to local weather information on radio, television or NOAA Weather Radios for the duration of the warning period.

New National Weather Service Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) Criteria
In addition to Tornado Warnings, the National Weather Service (NWS) will now send Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) messages to mobile devices whenever a Severe Thunderstorm Warning with a “destructive” tag is issued or updated:

• Tornadoes (NWS tornado warnings and/or trained spotter reported)
• Extreme Winds (Measured or imminent at or above 80 MPH)
• Extreme Hail (measured or indicated at 2.75 inch or above)

1. How are the sirens tested?

   The Carver County 911 Communications Center tests/activates all sirens in Carver County at 1:00 pm 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 pm and 6:45 pm. Click here for more information.

2. Whose responsibility is it to maintain outdoor warning sirens in Carver County?

   The sirens and their associated equipment are purchased and maintained by cities within Carver County. One siren in Baylor Park in Norwood Young America is owned and maintained by Carver County.

3. Are outdoor warning sirens meant to alert people indoors?

   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 means to 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 means having 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.

4. How do I know 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.
   
   
5. What should I do when I am driving in my car, and I hear the outdoor warning sirens?
   If the siren sounds while you are in your vehicle, seek shelter immediately. The safest place to be is in a sturdy building, on the lowest level away from windows, with the most walls possible between you and outside. If you cannot get to a safe shelter, either get down in your car and cover your head or abandon your car and seek shelter in a low-lying area such as a ditch or ravine while covering your head with your arms. Do not go under an overpass; the bridge could collapse or become a wind tunnel with flying debris.
   
   
6. Is there a way to receive emergency alerts from Carver County?
   Carver County residents can sign up to receive emergency alerts, including severe weather warnings, from the Carver County Citizen Alert System.
   
   To learn more and opt-in, follow this link: Carver County Citizen Alert System