Warning Siren Information

Severe Weather/Outdoor Warning Siren System

Through a combined effort of county, city, Indiana University, townships, other governmental agencies, churches and area businesses, Monroe County has 47 Outdoor Warning Sirens. The sirens are Outdoor Warning Sirens and are designed to be heard outdoors but you may hear a siren inside if you are near a siren location. The purpose of the Outdoor Warning Sirens is to warn people who may be outside during the time of a thunderstorm. If someone hears a warning siren sound while outside, that should give them a heads up that there is a severe weather threat nearby and that they need to seek immediate shelter.

When you hear a steady tone, it means that a tornado has been sighted in Monroe County or the National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning for Monroe County.

• Take cover immediately.
• There is no “All Clear” signal.
• Tune to local cable TV or radio stations for information and instructions.

The Outdoor Warning Sirens are tested on the first Friday of the month at 12:00 noon and 7:00 pm unless weather conditions are such that there may be a need for an actual weather warning.

The outdoor warning sirens will also be tested during an annual statewide tornado drill that takes place during Indiana Severe Weather Preparedness Week in March. For 2024, the Statewide Tornado Drill will be Tuesday, March 12th at 10:15 AM. Wednesday, March 13th, will be a backup date if needed due to weather.

The question is often asked "When are Outdoor Warning Sirens activated?" Monroe County Central Dispatch has established a protocol for activation of the siren system.

1. When a TORNADO WARNING has been issued for Monroe County by the National Weather Service at the Indianapolis office.
2. When a public safety officer (police, fire or EMS) reports SIGHTING a funnel cloud or tornado.
3. Based on a report from a trained Skywarn Spotter.
4. Note that there is no “All Clear” signal.
5. Tune in to local radio or cable TV for information and instructions.

When OUTDOOR WARNING SIRENS are activated:

• Do seek shelter
• Do not call emergency services dispatch (911) to ask why the sirens are sounding!

Hear the Tornado Warning siren sound.