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Outdoor Warning Sirens
Frequently Asked Questions
- When are the outdoor sirens activated?
- Tornado warnings
- Severe Thunderstorms with winds over 80 MPH or hail larger than 1-1/2" diameter
- Other hazards such as a chemical spill or plume
- During monthly tests on the first Saturday of every month at 12:00 PM - What should I do if I hear the sirens?
- Immediately seek shelter in a sturdy building, on the lowest level, away from doors and windows. Tune in to local television or radio stations for further instructions or information. Official government social media accounts may also have additional action information. - Should I call 911 when I hear the sirens?
- Only call 911 if you have an emergency that requires police, fire, or EMS response. Do not call 911 to ask about the sirens, report power outages, or report non-life-threatening storm damage. - What if I see a tornado?
- Seek shelter immediately. Crown Point Emergency Management Agency, along with many members of the Police and Fire departments are trained spotters and will be tracking severe weather. Their official information, along with National Weather Service information will be used to determine if sirens should be activated. - Why did the siren sound if there was not a tornado?
- Severe thunderstorms can have winds faster than the lowest-rated tornado. This is very dangerous to anyone caught outdoors and away from shelter. A better term is "outdoor warning siren". - How long do sirens stay on and what happens when they stop?
- Sirens are programmed to sound continuously for 3-minutes. If a threat still exists, they will be reactivated until the threat has passed. There is not an all-clear signal or tone that the siren will make. - Should I hear the sirens in my building or house?
- The purpose of the system is to get the attention of citizens who are outdoors so they will go indoors to seek shelter and further information regarding the emergency. The nearer you are to a siren, the more likely you may hear them inside a business or residence but severe weather (like high wind) will impact the audible sound. For indoor warnings, a NOAA Weather Radio is recommended. - What other ways can I receive emergency alerts?
- NOAA Weather Alert Radio
- Television and Radio News Stations
- Smartphone apps
- Trusted and verified online sources such as the National Weather Service or emergency services social media accounts - When are sirens tested?
- Sirens are tested the first Saturday of every month. Tests are canceled if inclement weather is possible in the area and during months with freezing weather to prevent siren damage. - How many sirens does Crown Point have?
- 101st Ave & Madison St
- 105th Ave & Illinois St
- 113th Ave & Delaware St
- 125th Ave & Delaware St
- 125th Ave & Marshall St
- Fire Station
- Greenwood Ave & Court St
- Whitehawk Dr (800 Block)
- Wirtz Rd & Quail Dr - Who can I call if I have questions about outdoor warning sirens in Crown Point?
- Crown Point Emergency Management Agency - 219-662-3254 - What if the sirens don't work?
- Power outages and other mechanical failures can happen. Monthly tests are aimed at identifying problems before an emergency occurs. If a siren fails to sound during an emergency, contact Crown Point EMA so they can investigate the problem. Don't forget, just because you didn't hear a siren indoors doesn't mean that it failed to active.