The Pella Police Department has announced changes to the city’s outdoor warning system, which is designed to provide coverage to persons outdoors, not inside buildings.

While before the sirens would go off for any tornado warning in Marion County, the outdoor system will be now activated upon receipt of a tornado warning issued by the National Weather Service in which Pella is included in the warning polygon or for Severe Thunderstorm Warnings where forecasted or actual wind speeds reach or exceed 70mph with golf ball or larger sized hail. The sirens will sound in a cycle of 3 minutes, followed by a 10-15 minute break for the duration of the threat (warning period).

According to the Pella Police Department, there will no longer be an “all clear” signal. Citizens should be indoors and monitoring 92.1 KRLS for updates and for data at the end of warnings. The City of Pella will perform a monthly siren test to ensure all sirens are functioning. The entire system is tested at noon on the first Saturday of each month unless severe weather is imminent. Additionally, there will no longer be an audible fire siren in Pella. If sirens are activated – and it is not a monthly test – the public should see it as a signal to:
• Seek shelter
• Tune into 92.1 KRLS for details about:
o Type of Emergency
o Instructions & Recommendations
The public should not call 9-1-1 unless they have an actual emergency.

If a siren near you is not working properly, you should contact the Pella Police Department at 641-628-4921. They will need to know the siren location and description of the problem in order to appropriately direct the maintenance/repair request.