Emergency Warning System - City of Galena

Emergency Warning System

Warning Sirens

The City of Galena's Emergency Warning System (EWS) is an outdoor, all-hazards siren system that is used to warn the general population of a potential danger in a short amount of time. 

Galena currently has five sirens located strategically on poles throughout the city to ensure total citywide coverage.  
 

What Do the Sirens Mean?

The Emergency Warning System uses only one siren tone for actual emergencies.  When the sirens are activated during an emergency, the sirens will sound for 3 minutes with an up-and-down, rising and falling tone to signify the emergency. This signal may be used to signify a major emergency or disaster, including a severe storm, tornado warning (not a tornado watch), earthquake, chemical hazard/hazardous material incident, extreme winds, biological hazard or event.
 

Siren Test

Please note that the city performs a monthly siren test to ensure all sirens are functioning. The entire system is tested for 30 seconds at 10:00 a.m. on the first Tuesday of every month.
 

Noon Siren

Everyday at noon the siren located at the Fire Department on Bench Street is activated for 30 seconds.  This is not an emergency signal.  
 

What Should I Do if I Hear the Sirens? 

If the sirens are activated anytime outside of the monthly 30-second siren test period and noon the public should recognize the sound as a signal to:
 
  • Seek immediate shelter inside a sturdy building away from windows and glass
  • Tune to radio or television to get information about the type of emergency and instructions and recommendations

Tornado Watch or Tornado Warning?

When a Tornado Watch is issued by the National Weather Service, tornadoes are possible in our area. Remain alert for approaching storms. 

When a Tornado Warning is issued by the National Weather Service, a tornado has been spotted or indicated by weather detection equipment.  The Emergency Warning Siren will sound during a Tornado Warning.

 

The City of Galena
101 Green Street
Galena, Il 61036
T 815.777.1050
F 815.777.3083
Email
Hours: 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. M-F
About Us
The City of Galena is located in the unglaciated area of Northwest Illinois. Our rolling hills, history, 19th century architecture and opportunities for year round outdoor recreation attract nearly a million visitors a year. Galena is a safe, healthy and vibrant place to raise a family, start a business or enjoy retirement. Click here for a short video about Galena’s unique lifestyle.
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