During Severe Weather Awareness Week, the Pella Police Department would like to remind residents of changes to the city’s Outdoor Warning System. Administrative Services Manager Marcia Slycord says the sirens in Pella are part of an outdoor, all-hazards siren system that is used to warn citizens of potential danger in a short amount of time, and is designed to provide coverage to those outdoors–not inside buildings or structures.

Slycord says one of the key changes to the system this spring going forward is that sirens will be activated upon receipt of a tornado warning issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) in which the City of Pella is included in the warning polygon or for Severe Thunderstorm Warnings where forecasted or actual wind speeds reach or exceed 70mph and/or golf ball or larger sized hail.

She says sirens will now sound in a cycle of three minutes, followed by a 10-15 minute break for the duration of the threat, with both repeated until the end of a warning. There will no longer be an “all clear” signal. Citizens should be indoors and monitoring KNIA/KRLS for updates on the storm.

The City of Pella will continue to perform a monthly siren test at noon on the first Saturday of each month, unless severe weather is imminent. Residents should contact the Pella Police Department if they are outdoors within the city limits and can not hear a siren. Sylcord says here is no longer an audible fire siren in Pella as well, so if the Outdoor Warning System is activated and it is not a monthly test – the public should see it as a signal to seek shelter and tune into 92.1 KRLS.

The KNIA/KRLS Severe Weather Action Team is on the air for any tornado or severe thunderstorm warning for any portion of Marion and Warren Counties, with backup generators ensuring the coverage stays on if the power goes out. Hear more about how the National Weather Services prepares for severe weather on today’s Let’s Talk Pella and during the Statewide Tornado Drill on Wednesday at 11 a.m. on KNIA/KRLS.