Emergency Siren Protocol

All cities develop a severe storm procedure and protocol as to how and when they will alert the public about a potentially dangerous storm environment. These protocols mirror those set by the National Weather Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

The Waukee Police and Fire Departments carefully monitor storm activity internally at the Police Station and also externally with stationed patrol cars. Waukee Police Department Dispatch utilizes Dallas County Dispatch, Dallas County Emergency Management, the State of Iowa Weather Alert System, local television stations, and direct communication with the National Weather Service (housed in Johnston) to monitor severe storm activity. The Waukee Police Department uses information from all these sources to determine when to sound a siren that gives people in our community the warning to take cover for a potential severe storm.

Waukee Police Department will sound the Emergency (Tornado) Sirens if a tornado warning has been issued or if there is severe thunderstorm with the potential to develop a tornado. The weather sirens are considered an outdoor warning system that prompts anyone outdoors to seek shelter. Weather sirens are not intended for citizens indoors; rather, the Waukee Police Department recommends citizens utilize a weather radio and also tune into their local news channel. The Waukee Police Department will always error on the side of caution when making the decision to sound the Emergency Sirens; however, they do their best to maintain the outdoor warning system for tornado warnings only.

Regular Siren Tests

The outdoor Emergency Sirens have been tested every Saturday since March 5, 2011 and will continue to be regularly tested through September 2011.

NOAA Tornado Safety Tips

• Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or television for tornado warnings and instructions.
• If you hear that a tornado or a storm threatens, seek shelter immediately.
• If you are in a building, go to the designated shelter, the building's basement, or an interior room, such as a bathroom or closet.
• If you are in an automobile, do not try to out-drive a tornado. Abandon your vehicle and seek shelter in a ditch or depression.
• If you are in a mobile home, leave it for a more substantial structure. You should plan on heading for the storm shelter at the first sign of severe weather. As we all know from countless news stories, mobile home parks are often the scene of numerous deaths or injuries. DO NOT RISK IT!
• Protect your head and body from flying debris.