Hear the Difference: Fire and Storm Sirens to Be Tested April 15

Residents of Grant County are encouraged to pause to pay attention to the emergency siren sounds during Severe Weather Awareness Week to be observed April 13-17. Kevin Schuelke, head of Grant County Emergency Management, says, “We will be doing siren tests in all Grant County communities on Wednesday, April 15. Fire first at 10 a.m. and Storm/Tornado at 10:15 a.m.”  

“We do this so you can listen to the difference between the two sirens. The fire siren is a wavering tone that lasts 15 seconds or less. The storm siren is a steady blast for an extended period of time,” Schuelke explained. “Keep in mind these sirens rotate on their poles.”

The Grant County Sky Warn Weather Spotter class, conducted by the National Weather Service (NWS) of Aberdeen, will be held at the Milbank Fire Hall at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 23. Everyone is invited.                

Schuelke also suggests signing up for Code Red Alerting. Code Red has a direct link to the NWS for weather warnings. He says this is for take-action warnings only –  not watches. He also notes it warns only residents in the geographical area affected. Schuelke says this is also a good time to discuss or make a plan with your family, co-workers, and others so, in the event of severe weather, everyone is prepared for it.