ROCHELLE — Rochelle’s monthly outdoor warning siren test will take place today at 10 a.m. The system uses a single tone to warn residents of emergencies including severe weather, hazardous materials, or biological threats. If the sirens are activated at any other time, residents should take cover and listen to local news for further information. The test is a routine part of the city’s emergency preparedness efforts.
Officials remind residents that outdoor warning sirens are designed to alert people who are outside that dangerous conditions are occurring or imminent, and are not used only for tornadoes. Sirens may be activated for tornado warnings, confirmed sightings by trained spotters or law enforcement, or severe storms producing winds of 70 miles per hour or greater or golf ball-sized hail, and are typically only reactivated if those conditions are confirmed during an ongoing warning. Residents are urged to seek shelter immediately when sirens sound, avoid calling 9-1-1 for information, and rely on multiple alert sources such as mobile notifications, local media, and NOAA weather radios.
