Submitted by Vernon County Emergency Management
In Vernon County, there are several warning systems that can be activated rapidly during severe weather events, which are monitored closely by Vernon County Emergency Management, the Vernon County Sheriff’s Office, and your local police and fire authorities.
The most common warning devices in populated areas of Vernon County are the community sirens. These sirens are activated when conditions exist that there is “imminent danger,” including, but not limited to a tornado sighting. Straight-line winds, microbursts, and downbursts associated with severe thunderstorm activity are equally as dangerous as tornadic activity. They can also be used for hazardous materials incidents, flash flooding, or other life safety events.
The community sirens need to be tested to make sure that they are working properly. Vernon County Emergency Management will be testing the sirens April through September of each year. This test will be done the first Monday of each month at 11 a.m. If inclement weather is in the area, the test will be done the next good weather day. The first day for this will be Monday, April 5.
For more information, contact Brandon Larson, Vernon County Emergency Management Director at the Erlandson Office Building in Viroqua, telephone 637-5266.
