At the regular monthly meeting of the Vadnais Heights Health and Public Safety Commission on February 28, 2018, a representative from Ramsey County Emergency Management reported on a new outdoor warning system that should be completed by the end of April 2018, in time for severe weather season. The updated outdoor warning system will still use sirens to warn residents of severe weather and other potential dangers, but how the sirens are activated and other internal systems will be improved to keep up with new warning and communication technology.
Residents should remember:
- Sirens sound for three minutes and then automatically turn off to preserve their batteries. If they sound again that means there is a new danger such as a second tornado warning. Sirens are never sounded for an "all clear." You must listen to the radio or TV to find out if it is safe outside.
- Sirens are not meant to warn or be heard by people who are already indoors and they do not tell you what the actual danger is, so residents should use other methods (such as Wireless Emergency Alerts or NOAA All Hazards Radios) as the main source for warnings.
- Be prepared: have a fully stocked Disaster Readiness Bag stored in your basement or storm shelter area. The Vadnais Heights Health and Public Safety Commission hands out these bags free of charge to Vadnais Heights residents, along with a selection of items to begin stocking the bags, at various community events.