Why and When Douglas County Sounds Outdoor Warning Sirens

Every year on tornado drill day, Douglas County sounds the outdoor warning sirens at 1:45 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. It’s an opportunity for everyone to practice how they’ll respond to a warning for a real event. In 2025 tornado drill day is April 10. It’s part of Severe Weather Awareness Week.

“We hope every business, government agency, school, church office and our residents at home, take tornado drill day seriously,” said Douglas County Emergency Management Director Julie Anderson. “This is the time to remind yourself where your safest shelter is located and how long it’s going to take to get there.”

The county also sounds its outdoor warning sirens at 1 p.m. every Wednesday. While this monthly test does help cities, townships, and the county, which own the sirens, know if they’re working properly, the tests also provide a reminder for people to get inside and get information.

“The sirens are like an alarm. They alert you to an imminent danger,” Anderson said. “It’s everyone’s responsibility to learn what that danger is.” Sources of information include:

• National Weather Service Twin Cities Facebook page
• Douglas County and Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Facebook pages
• Douglas County Instagram account
• Local radio
• Twin Cities based television
• Weather Apps
• CodeRed alerts which require residents to opt in. Text DOUGLASMN to 99411
• Wireless Emergency Alerts sent to all cellphones in impacted area.

Severe Weather Awareness Week is a helpful event held each April. However emergency preparedness is a year-round necessity. For more information contact Douglas County Emergency Management Director Julie Anderson at 320-304-7115 or juliea@co.douglas.mn.us