Knowledge Base

Alert Apps

The app will send you emergency notifications from the National Weather Service for the locations you select. The app can be used in English or Spanish. FEMA App

Weather Radio

Consider using a weather radio. An emergency weather radio is like a smoke alarm, and will alert you in times of bad weather. Emergency information will be picked up 24 hrs/day, you can hear them inside (sirens are made to warn people outdoors), and the emergency message will come directly from the National Weather Service. There are many types of emergency weather radios to choose from - consult this handy guide NOAA Weather Radio

Today, an emergency weather radio send alerts for many different emergencies. In Rochester, you could receive an alert for a train accident with a chemical leak. Authorities can send messages to the weather radio to let you know if it is best to stay inside (and out of toxic air), or get out before things get worse. Non-weather emergency messages are important, and make the emergency weather radio a valuable tool.

Outdoor Warning Sirens:

Summer Siren Test Schedule Begins April 5

Siren Test Day is Wednesday morning in Rochester. Sirens are a way to alert you to go indoors and seek shelter. A siren system is used to alert people outdoors. Sirens are used to warn of tornados, or other life-threatening conditions. When you hear a siren, go indoors and tune to local news for more information.

Fall/Winter test schedule: Partial 1 minute test first Wednesday morning (October - March). Growl test on remaining Wednesday mornings at 10 am.

Weather radios with lights and text display are available.