Rochelle – An Emergency Outdoor Warning Siren System is an all-hazards siren system used to warn the general population of potential danger. 

Going forward, the city will sound sirens in the following situations:

Tornado Warning including radar-indicated or trained spotter sighting

Severe Thunderstorm Warning with winds 70mph or greater; whole trees down by wind; or golf ball sized hail

The emergency outdoor siren is tested on the first Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m. in a state-wide test.  Sirens are intended to warn those outdoors to seek shelter immediately. It is important to have other means of notification inside your home or place of employment such as a weather radio or mobile app.  

What should I do if I hear the sirens?

If the sirens are activated - and it is not a monthly siren test - the public should see it as a signal toseek shelter;  

tune in to radio or television to get information about type of emergency and instructions and recommendations; and

listen to your local media for indications that the emergency is over.

There will be no “all clear” signal from outdoor warning sirens. Citizens are expected to be indoors and should monitor local media for additional information.  The public should not call 9-1-1 unless they have an actual emergency.

For more information on how to prepare for severe weather, visit: https://www2.illinois.gov/iema/Preparedness/Documents/severeweatherpreparedness.pdf