Bookmark & ShareWhy are Sirens Sounding?
2012 Siren Test Schedule Begins Wednesday, April 4.
A full 3 minute siren test will be heard every Wednesday morning, weather permitting. This is a routine test to ensure the sirens operate when needed. Questions? Contact us
Siren Test Day is Wednesday morning in Rochester. Sirens are a way to alert you to go indoors and seek shelter. A siren system is used to alert people outdoors of tornados, or other life-threatening conditions. When you hear a siren, go indoors and tune to local news for more information. Another source for updated information is Rochester Alert website.
Siren system test is every Wednesday morning at 10 am. Testing the system allows us to make sure sirens will work when needed.
Summer test schedule: Full 3 minute test each Wednesday morning (April - September) at 10 am.
Fall/Winter test schedule: Partial 1 minute test first Wednesday morning (October - March). Growl test on remaining Wednesday mornings at 10 am.
What is a growl test? Is the siren broken?
During late fall and winter, a "growl" test is performed 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th Wednesdays. A growl test momentarily starts the siren, and quickly shuts down. It might seem like the siren is broken, but if heard during late fall/winter, it's just a growl test.
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City of Rochester emergency management provides coordinated disaster response to meet the immediate health and safety needs of citizens and protect the public from harmful effect of hazards
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Keep informed. Sign up for Rochester Alerts to receive breaking news alerts and notifications. Browse our Public Information section (Rochester Alert website) to prepare for emergencies. Contact us to improve this site and deliver the information you need.
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Information on Current Disaster
Keeping you informed is important, and there are two ways for you to get information now - when you need it, how you want it. Rochester Alert is the best way to get information before an event, during an event, and immediately after. Alerts will go to your phone, email, text message, and over Twitter. Second, the Rochester Alert web site posts the alerts, plus you can find press releases, publications, and other useful information.
Read Active Alerts:
Rochester Alert website - View current alerts and press release information here
Map of active alerts View currents alerts on a map of Olmsted County (may open slowly)
Current Weather Hazards from National Weather Service
Minnesota Severe Weather Awareness Week 2012 is April 16-20
An informed, involved community is more resilient to disaster, and being prepared helps reduce the risks and costs of hazardous weather events. An easy way to get prepared is by participating in Severe Weather Awareness Week (SWAW). The statewide tornado drills on Thursday, April 19 provide an excellent opportunity for citizens to prepare their homes, families, neighborhoods, and communities!
There will be two statewide tornado drills on Thursday, April 19 at 1:45 p.m. and 6:55 p.m. The drills are designed to remind individuals, families, businesses, schools, and institutions that it’s essential to plan ahead for Minnesota’s severe spring and summer weather.
City of Rochester and Olmsted County will be conducting a tornado drill at 1:45 pm. Sirens will sound, and residents are encouraged to imagine the steps to take in a real tornado event - like where is the best place to seek shelter.
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