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Community Information -
What do you know about the Sirens in the City of Waterloo?
The Fire Siren
The city's fire siren is located behind the municipal building and is a wail sound; high and low. This siren is used to alert Fire Department members so they will report to the station for an emergency! The siren may sound for a fire, an accident or mutual aid request. The siren is very loud and very important.
A special note: You may see vehicles with their flashers on heading for the fire station, this means our fire department members are responding to the station for an emergency call. Please pull over to allow them to pass so they get to the station quickly and efficiently.
The Weather Warning Siren
The weather warning siren is a constant siren sound. These sirens, located around the city, are early warning sirens for the purpose of informing the public of the possibility of dangerous weather conditions. Dangerous weather conditions include tornadoes and severe thunderstorms with winds of 70 mph and greater.
When there is severe weather coming, the weather siren will be set off when the National Weather Service issues a WARNING for our area.
There is NO “All Clear” siren. You should continue to monitor the radio, TV, or internet until you have determined it to be safe.
In the event that a previously issued Weather Warning expired and the National Weather Service has issued a new Weather Warning for the area, the weather warning siren will be activated again in response to the new warning.
Every 1st Wednesday of the month at 11:00 am a severe weather siren test is conducted by the City of Waterloo.
The City of Waterloo has a program called Connect CTY to phone all city residents when there is bad weather. Please sign up for Connect CTY through the city website. http://www.waterloowi.us/ .
Weather terms and what they mean
Watch vs. Warning vs. Advisory
Advisory – An advisory is for less serious conditions that cause significant inconvenience and if caution is not exercised could lead to situations that may threaten life and/or property.
Watch – A watch is issued when the conditions are right for potential severe weather, but its occurrence, location and timing is still uncertain. It is intended to provide enough lead time so those who need to set their plans in motion can do so. Watches evolve into advisories or they are canceled.
Warning – A warning is issued when a hazardous weather or hydro logic event is occurring, is imminent, or has a very high probability of occurrence. A warning is used for conditions posing a threat to life or property. The National Weather Service is the single “official” voice when issuing warnings for life-threating situations.
When the Weather Warning siren is sounded you should monitor local TV, Radio, or the internet. Make your safety decision based on that. Please do not call Waterloo Police, Fire or 911 to inquire if there is an emergency occurring. Phone lines need to be free to handle emergency calls . It is appropriate to call 911 in cases of an actual emergency or calling the Fire or Police department when witnessing a rotating funnel cloud or actual tornado on the ground.
